Fuel Cell Stack

Renewable Energy

 Renewable energy has many forms but by definition, its sources have to be replaced by nature after use. Such forms include solar, wind, water, wood, waste and geothermal.  In theory, these sources are inexhaustible.  Solar energy is harnessed through panels that collect the radiant energy of the sun. Wind power turns turbines as does water, through dams that direct water flow to turbines. Wood and waste energy, also called biomass,  generates electricity through combustion.  Geothermal energy uses the thermal energy of the earth to provide heating and cooling systems for buildings.   Renewable energy forms can provide safe, reliable, sustainable and secure energy for the future.  The challenges ahead are providing the planet’s growing population with enough energy as carbon  sources are depleted.

The hydrogen fuel cell

A hydrogen fuel cell is a type of scientific equipment used to produce electricity using Hydrogen and Oxygen. Unlike batteries the hydrogen fuel cell can not deteriorate or run down because it will work as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the cell continuously. Most fuel cells are rather large and used for commercial purposes. Hydrogen fuel cells are very sophisticated and hard to make. The cell is a cube like shaped piece of equipment. The hydrogen goes into the fuel cell through one side and enters the anode (which is negative), while the oxygen goes through another side and enters the cathode (which is positive). The hydrogen atom is then separated into protons and electrons. A membrane allows protons to pass through cathode, but not the electrons. So, the electrons must go around the membrane. The movement of the electrons causes an electrical current which is used as electricity. The equation involved is:  

O_2(g)  + 2H_2(g)  → 2H₂O_(l)  + Electricity

           Diagram of Hydrogen Fuel Cell