Exploring the Unfulfilled Promise of Fuel Cells

In summary, fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to create pure water and were once believed to be the alternative fuel solution. However, there has been limited progress due to economic challenges such as high costs, efficiency issues, and the need for infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution. Additionally, since hydrogen must be manufactured, there is no net gain of energy.
  • #1
banerjeerupak
123
1
About an year ago, i had heard a lot about the upcoming technology of fuel cells. i was pretty intrigued by the description that it combined, hydrogen and oxygen to form pure water. no wastage. i believed it would be the alternative fuel we were in search of.
why then is there not much progress in this field.
is there any site giving constructional details of the fuel cell

:confused:
 
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  • #2
- Hydrogen storage
- Efficiency of hydrogen production
- Efficiency of net process from production of H2 to actual work done
- High cost of fuel cells (10 times costlier than the piston)
- Hydrogen manufacture and distribution infrastructure
- Cost of Hydrogen
 
  • #3
As sid implied, there are a number of mostly economic hurdles that need to be overcome (perhaps with technology) before it becomes mainstream.

A clarification: since hydrogen does not occur naturally in usable quantities, it must be manufactured, either from water or from methane. Since getting it from water is the same reaction by which it creates electricity, running in the opposite direction, there is no net gain of energy: it is just a storage method.
 
  • #4
i get it so the momentum of the project has slowed down due to the hurdles that have been coming up.
 

1. What are fuel cells and how do they work?

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy from a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electricity. They consist of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte. The fuel, typically hydrogen, is fed into the anode where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons then pass through the electrolyte to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, creating an electric current. At the cathode, the protons and electrons combine with oxygen to form water, the only byproduct of the reaction.

2. What are the advantages of using fuel cells?

Fuel cells have several advantages over traditional combustion engines. They are highly efficient, with conversion rates of up to 60%, compared to 20-25% for gasoline engines. They also produce no emissions other than water, making them a clean energy source. Additionally, fuel cells are quiet, compact, and can be used in a variety of applications, from powering cars to providing electricity for buildings.

3. What is the current state of fuel cell technology?

While fuel cell technology has made significant advancements in recent years, it is still not widely used. The main barriers to widespread adoption are high costs, limited infrastructure, and the lack of a reliable and affordable source of hydrogen fuel. However, many companies and governments are investing in research and development to address these challenges and make fuel cells a more viable option for energy production.

4. What are some potential uses for fuel cells?

Fuel cells have a wide range of potential uses, including powering cars, buses, and other transportation vehicles. They can also be used in stationary applications, such as providing electricity for homes and businesses, as well as in portable devices like laptops and phones. Additionally, fuel cells can be used for backup power and in remote locations where traditional power sources are not available.

5. What are the future prospects for fuel cells?

The future prospects for fuel cells are promising. As technology continues to improve and costs decrease, fuel cells are expected to become more widely adopted. The growing demand for clean energy sources and the potential for hydrogen to be produced from renewable sources also bode well for the future of fuel cells. With continued research and investment, fuel cells have the potential to play a significant role in meeting our energy needs in a sustainable way.

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