By Corey Switzer
Sometimes I’m given job requisitions that are outside of my sphere of understanding. When that happens I hit up some REALLY knowledgeable industry resources, and of course, GOOGLE.
Down with SOPA
Today I’m going to share a new learning adventure with you, and honestly it’s something I should have put proper research into a long time ago because this kind of technology is no longer the “wave of the future” – it’s becoming very real in the present tense!
BUZZ WORDS – Fuel Cell Technology
WHAT IS A FUEL CELL? A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. I’ve drawn up a nice little diagram for you to scrutinize if you have any further questions about HOW a fuel cell works (LOL).
WHAT KINDS OF FUEL CELLS ARE THERE?
The main difference in fuel cells has to do with the electrolyte substance. There are High Temperate Fuel Cells, Molten Carbonite Fuel Cells, Direct Methanol, etc.
Other common electrolytes are:
- Alkali
- Molten Carbonate
- Phosphoric Acid
- Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
- Solid Oxide
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
There are COUNTLESS benefits to fuel cell technology including:
- almost ZERO emissions
- vehicles powered by fuels cells are least polluting
- they’re highly efficient; more so than our common combustion systems
- they’re an extremely reliable source of energy
- they allow for less dependency on fossil fuels
- they allow for us to produce DOMESTICALLY!
- they’re versatile and portable
SO WHAT’S THE CATCH???
The catch is that it’s not cheap enough to replace traditional power generators (nuclear, hydro-electric, coal fired)
Though, the cool thing is that R&D Engineers are getting closer and closer every day to perfecting an efficient fuel cell that can be mass produced and ultimately change the face of power generation!
THANK YOU RESOURCES:
www.americanhistory.si.edu/fuelcells
www.fuelcells.org
www.energy.gov
www.power-technology.com
