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Why Use A Hydrogen Fuel Cell?

A Hydrogen Fuel Cell is an energy conversion device that can effectively gather and redistribute the power of hydrogen.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Diagram

Imagine water converted into hydrogen that powers a cell phone or a car for example. Visualize solar power converting the suns energy into a fuel cell for later use when there isn't any sun during the night.

Build A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Using Household Materials

SOLAR PANEL:

• Dimensions: 125mm x 155mm x 8mm

• Voltage (at optimum power point) 2.2V d.c.

• Current (at maximum power point) 450mA

• The module includes:

- 1 set of 30cm wires - Frame backing for 45 degrees to a flat surface

REVERSIBLE PEM HYDROGEN FUEL CELL:

Electrolyzer function:

● Input Voltage: 1.7V ~ 3V (DC)

● Input Current: ≥0.7A at 2V

● Hydrogen production rate: 5ml/min

● Oxygen production rate: 2.5ml/min

Fuel cell function:

● Output Voltage: 0.6V (DC)

● Output Current: 300mA

● Output Power: 180mW

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Cell Phone

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Angstrom Power´s hydrogen-powered cell phones (left) and fuel cells (right). Credit: Angstrom Power

Angstrom Power is a Canadian company that has taken a major step in the innovation of hydrogen-powered cell phones. Unlike previous attempts at hydrogen-powered phones, Angstrom Power´s prototype allows the fuel cell to fit comfortably inside the phone. In addition, power from the fuel cell can last twice as long between refueling than phones powered with lithium ion batteries.

FuelCell Type	Operating Temperature	System Output	Efficiency	Applications
Alkaline (AFC)	90–100ºC 194–212ºF	10kW–100kW	60–70% electric	• Military •Space
Phosphoric Acid (PAFC)	150–200ºC 302–392ºF	50kW–1MW (250kWmodule typical)	80–85%overall with combined heat and power(CHP) (36–42% electric)	•Distributed generation
PolymerElectrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM)*	50–100ºC 122–212ºF	<250kW	50–60% electric	•Back-up power • Portable power • Small distributed generation •Transportation
MoltenCarbonate (MCFC)	600–700ºC 1112–1292ºF	<1MW (250kWmodule typical)	85% overall withCHP (60% electric)	• Electricutility • Large distributed generation
Solid Oxide(SOFC)	650–1000ºC 1202–1832ºF	5kW–3 MW	85% overall withCHP (60% electric)	•Auxiliary power • Electric utility • Largedistributed generation

Source: Argonne National Laboratory

*Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) are a subset of PEMFCs typically used for small portable power applications with a size range of about a subwatt to 100W and operating at 60–90°C.

Penn State researchers have developed a microbial electrolysis cell, which they call BEAMR, to produce hydrogen. The process uses bacteria to break down organic material, such as acetic acid and cellulose. A small external burst of voltage aids in boosting hydrogen production.

-Source: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation Return from Hydrogen Fuel Cell back to Making Hydrogen Home Page