Of the 94 naturally occurring elements on Earth, Hydrogen is the most abundant. For decades scientists have been trying to harness hydrogen as a viable and sustainable fuel source.
Only recently have we truly started to utilize the power and energy that hydrogen can provide. We are still in the early stages but the future for hydrogen energy is a bright one.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what is hydrogen fuel cell technology to how it works.
How an Electric Cell Works
First, let’s go over what a general electric cell is and does. This type of cell is the basis for fuel cell technology.
An electric cell can generate electrical power by way of a chemical reaction. It does this by converting its fuel into electricity. In a fuel cell, that fuel can be hydrogen.
In a standard electric cell, a metal such as zinc ionizes one electrode at the anode. This results in an output of two electrons. These electrons are pushed around the circuit and end up carrying energy to something like a motor.
The circuit is then completed when the metal ions move through a solution.
How Fuel Cell Technology Works
Even people who know practically nothing about chemistry will remember from elementary school that the chemical makeup of water is H2O.
Through science, we are able to take water molecules and break them up, splitting the molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. That oxygen is released into the atmosphere but the hydrogen is stored so that it may be used later as fuel.
In a fuel cell, instead of using metals like zinc, we use gasses, such as hydrogen. To obtain energy, we need to rejoin oxygen and hydrogen.
Here, hydrogen gives its electrons which flow around the cell, thus driving the motor. They then arrive at a cathode. There, those electrons will recombine with hydrogen.
This all occurs in the presence of the reactive gas, oxygen. Now that oxygen is present, we have the necessary ingredients to once more create water, which is then exhausted out of the vehicle or another machine.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Benefits
Although we don’t necessarily have large-scale hydrogen projects happening in the world at the moment, the potential is definitely there. Luckily, many people are now starting to see the powerful benefits of alternative fueling options.
Let’s take a look at some of hydrogen’s biggest benefits and hopefully, you will see why it’s a technology worth investing in.
Zero Emissions
Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces virtually zero harmful emissions. The byproduct of hydrogen combustion is usually just heat and water.
With hydrogen as fuel, you eliminate the creation of air pollution and other toxic elements.
With that said, it does take energy to obtain the hydrogen fuel. In the process of creating an environment for harnessing hydrogen energy, toxic materials may be used in the process.
Still, many believe that the long-term benefits of using clean-burning hydrogen fuel far outweigh the disadvantages.
Improved Efficiency
Your standard combustion engine vehicle only converts about 1/3 of its gasoline input into usable energy.
Hydrogen fuel cells, on the other hand, are generally between 60% and 80% efficient.
Their efficiency would be higher except the electrical energy that they produce must then be converted into mechanical energy, leading to some loss of energy in the process.
Many fuel cell-reliant machines also use what is known as combined heat and power systems (CHP). This means that not only is the hydrogen used for energy but the heat it generates is also captured as energy.
Abundance
As stated earlier, hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth. More than 90% of all atoms in the universe are hydrogen atoms.
This makes it an excellent and endless fuel source. Especially when compared to nonrenewable energy such as petroleum.
Silence
Most vehicles are very noisy when they are operated. This is because there is actual combustion going on inside them. Many people would consider this part of noise pollution.
Fuel cell energy is created chemically instead of through combustion. This means a near-silent ride.
What is Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Used For?
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is often used for automobiles. Though it is limited to only a few models today, its popularity is growing.
Hydrogen is also safer than gasoline. Although it is about as flammable, hydrogen gas is so light that if it were to escape, it would very quickly go up into the atmosphere.
One of the drawbacks to hydrogen-fueled vehicles is the lack of hydrogen refueling stations. More of these will need to come about in order for hydrogen cars to seem like a viable option to most Americans.
NASA also uses hydrogen to fuel its booster rockets. They use liquid hydrogen for this.
Hydrogen batteries can fuel portable devices. Unlike regular batteries, hydrogen can continue to deliver energy as long as there is a constant input of hydrogen fuel.
Hydrogen batteries can power all sorts of devices from hearing aids to laptops to cameras and cell phones.
Stationary fuel cells, on the other hand, are very large and extremely powerful. They are clean burning and have the ability to power buildings and even towns and cities. This can help us to finally phase out coal.
Hydrogen fuel can also be used for backup power during storms.
The Power of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Understanding what is hydrogen fuel cell technology and staying informed is a great way to be aware of new and developing environmental technologies.
Nowadays, there’s a lot of doom and gloom when it comes to the environment and climate change. But having a defeatist attitude won’t help anyone.
That’s why it’s so important to learn and spread information about environmentally friendly fuels such as hydrogen. This way, we can encourage others to do research and help pave a path for a brighter and cleaner future.
Are you interested in learning about what you can do to help? Check Our guides here and find out how you can do your part for mother earth.
