There are several kinds of fuel cells, but Polymer Electrolyte
Membrane (PEM) fuel cells—also called Proton Exchange
Membrane fuel cells—are the type typically used in automobiles.
A PEM fuel cell uses hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air
to produce electricity.
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The diagram below shows how these fuel cells work. CLICK
HERE for an animated illustration (Flash 5.0 or higher required).
Fuel Cell Stacks
Most
fuel cells designed for use in vehicles produce less than 1.16 volts
of electricity-far from enough to power a vehicle. Therefore, multiple
cells must be assembled into a fuel cell stack. The potential
power generated by a fuel cell stack depends on the number and size
of the individual fuel cells that comprise the stack and the surface
area of the PEM.
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