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Fuel Cells: Power for the Future
Technology is increasing our energy needs, but it is also showing us new ways to generate power more efficiently with less impact on the environment. One of the most promising options for supplementing future power supplies is the fuel cell.
A fuel cell is essentially a battery with an external fuel source. It creates electricity by stripping electrons from the hydrogen extracted from natural gas, propane, and other common fuels. Like a battery, it contains a set of plates that create an electrochemical reaction. Unlike a battery, it never runs down - it produces a continuous flow of clean power as long as fuel is supplied.
Fuel cell power generation is clean, efficient, and reliable. Fuel cells have no moving parts, so they don't make much noise, break down, or quickly wear out. Generating electricity through an electro-chemical reaction, the only byproducts from a fuel cell system are heat, water, and a small amount of carbon dioxide (C02). When heat from the generating process is used to heat household water, fuel cell systems can be over 80 percent fuel efficient, compared to 30 percent efficiency for engine-based generators. A system the size of a washing machine can power a 2,000 square foot house.
Research is underway to develop PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells as a practical power source for automobiles, home use, and commercial applications. Other kinds of fuel cells are already in use, providing back-up power for hospitals, and even powering NASA space missions. In the future, as the technology advances, fuel cells may be as common and familiar as computers.
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