Fuel cell hydrogen innovations is a very promising technology that could facilitate the advancement of the hydrogen economy. It's not even limited to hydrogen, it is fuel-flexible. And has the potential to electrically run motors on the road and for home applications. It holds the possibility to out-date internal combustion engines and minimize, if not totally eradicate, use of fossil fuels.
1960s - though General Electric produced the fuel-cell-based electrical power system for NASA's Gemini and Apollo space capsules. General Electric used the principles found in the "Bacon Cell" as the basis of its design. Today, the Space Shuttle's electricity is provided by Fuel cell hydrogen technology with the same fuel cells provide drinking water for the crew.
Early that year, a fuel cell 20-horsepower tractor was demonstrated by Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company. This was the first vehicle applied with fuel cell technology. But the technology was first perfected by Francis T. Bacon with Bacon Cell - devices for directly generating electricity by chemically combining a fuel and oxygen. He demonstrated a 5-kilowatt fuel cell to power a welding machine.
Francis T. Bacon's Fuel Cell
It was in the 90's that Daimler Benz and Toyota launched prototypes of fuel cell cars.
Recently, a lot of fuel cell cars are on the road as car builders and as society is on the tipping-point of supporting clean energy generation. Hydrogen Fuel Cells are now supported with the installation of hydrogen highways or hydrogen fueling stations.
Enjoy watching this video of a Fuel Cell Forklift:
Other than transport vehicles, toys manufacturers are now enjoying the use of the technology.
Horizon is using its technology (partnering with toy makers) for hydrogen fueled toy cars. The company hopes that the technology can also be use for educational purposes.
The fuel cell toy car along with a solar hydrogen fueling station - a demonstration..
And here's video of a manned hydrogen fuel cell aircraft:
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