Why Use A Hydrogen Fuel Cell?
A Hydrogen Fuel Cell is an energy conversion device that can effectively gather and redistribute power.
Imagine water that powers a cell phone or a car for example. Visualize solar power converting the suns energy for later use when there isn't any sun during the night.
Watch a video on how this process works by Ballard.
Build a HFC Using Household Materials
Read More about Fuel Cell Hydrogen Applications
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: 300 mA
● Output Power: 180 mW
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.
| Fuel Cell 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 (250kW module typical) | 80–85%
overall with combined heat and power (CHP) (36–42% electric) | • Distributed generation |
| Polymer
Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)* | 50–100ºC 122–212ºF | <250kW | 50–60%
electric | •
Back-up power • Portable power • Small distributed generation • Transportation |
| Molten
Carbonate (MCFC) | 600–700ºC 1112–1292ºF | <1MW (250kW module typical) | 85% overall with CHP (60% electric) | • Electric
utility • Large distributed generation |
| Solid Oxide (SOFC) | 650–1000ºC 1202–1832ºF | 5kW–3 MW | 85% overall with CHP (60% electric) | •
Auxiliary power • Electric utility • Large distributed 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 sub watt 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
See new development on Microbial Fuel Cell or Microbial Electrochemical Cell with the use of specialized bacteria.
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