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A fuel cell (FC) is an energy conversion device. It converts chemical energy into electrical energy;
providing electrical power to perform work. This is in contrast to a battery, which is an energy
storage device. While a battery also converts chemical energy into electrical energy, it is a closed
system and so its energy output depends on the amount of energy initially stored in it; whereas a
fuel cell can continue to provide energy for as long as fuel is provided. However, in reality, because
of operational wear and tear, even fuel cells have finite lifetimes.
An Introduction to Fuel Cells
All fuel cells, regardless of their type, require certain basic elements: Fuel, Oxidant, Electrolyte,
Anode, Cathode. Depending upon the fuel cell type and its material construction, the electrolyte will
conduct either positive or negative ions. These ions are produced by the electrochemical reactions
that take place at the anode and cathode; fuel enters on the anode side, while oxidant enters on the
cathode side.
Fuel cells have higher conversion efficiencies when compared to heat engines. And from an
environmental aspect, fuel cell emissions are less adverse than those of the heat engine devices in
use today.
To date, fuel cell technology has been successfully demonstrated. It has also been piloted in various
applications. Fuel cells have realized partial commercialization; the economics of fuel cell
technology require further enhancement for pervasive commercialization.
Today, a plurality of fuel cell types are in existence. This article will focus on the following two types:
the PEMFC and the SOFC.
Basic Principles: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
PEMFC is short for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell. The
most salient feature of the PEMFC is its electrolyte, which in this case is a polymer membrane. The
polymer membrane exhibits selective permeability, conducting protons or H+ ions. These protons
are produced at the anode, very often with the aid of a catalyst.The fuel in this case is hydrogen,
while the oxidant is oxygen. As hydrogen undergoes catalytic oxidation, and since the PEM does not
conduct electrons, the hydrogen electrons travel via an external circuit, creating current flow that
can be used to perform work. The electrons travel from the anode to the cathode, where they
combine with oxygen and hydrogen ions to produce water. Due to the material construction of the
PEM, these types of fuel cells are usually limited to operating temperatures of 60-80 deg C.
(2004) 271-277.P. Zegers, Fuel cell commercialization: The key to a hydrogen economy, Journal of
Power Sources 154 (2006) 497-502.J.H. Wee, Applications of proton exchange membrane fuel cell
systems, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 11 (2007) 1720-1738.G. Cacciola, V. Antonucci,
S. Freni, Technology up date and new strategies on fuel cells, Journal of Power Sources 100 (2001)
67-79.