How does a Fuel Cell work?
In electrolysis , water (H20) is broken down to form hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (02) using an electric current.
A fuel cell does exactly the opposite by putting hydrogen and oxygen back together to form pure water and in the process, chemical energy bound in the hydrogen is converted directly into electrical energy.
This direct conversion of energy means that fuel cells can be at least twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine with zero levels of pollution. Fuel cells are currently prohibitively expensive.
Hydrogen is a gas with low energy density. To be able to store sufficient hydrogen to power a motor vehicle, large quantities of hydrogen are compressed and stored under pressure in cylinders.
Hydrogen has been used in this way in many cities throughout Europe and the US in hydrogen bus trials. Public acceptance of fuel cell buses by regular commuters has been high due to their quiet, pollution free operation. See http://www.eere.energy.gov/
Model Fuel Cell car on display ot the Hydro Tasmania Hands On Centre.
For an animation of how a fuel cell works visit
www.humboldt.edu/~serc/animation.html
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