About Fuel Cells

The Technology behind Fuel Cells

About Fuel Cells

Fuel cells can best be described as energy converters which make it possible to efficiently convert hydrogen and other energy carriers into electricity and heat. In a fuel cell system, electricity is produced when hydrogen is broken down in a controlled manner and reacts with oxygen.

A fuel cell functions like a battery, but instead of being charged with electricity over a long period of time the fuel cell is tanked with fuel, typically hydrogen or methanol, which is then converted into electricity. Heat is also generated.

Thanks to their long expected useful lives and theoretically non-existent environmental impact, fuel cells constitute an interesting alternative to most existing energy converters. The technology can be used to produce electricity for local communities, industries and homes as well as vehicles and portable electronics.