A fuel cell is a device that converts the hydrogen chemical energy into electrical energy. It can be explained as follows:
As a waste product, water vapor and heat can be generated at the end. This device is a battery. However, it has one important difference: the fuel cells do not need to be charged constantly.
As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for new energy sources. One example is the more than 1 billion internal combustion engine units in use worldwide. At present, oil and its derivatives provide enough energy to power them. In the near future, however, these energy resources will run out and will require new sources to power these motors. Additionally, because petroleum derivatives do not exist in all fields, it can be very costly and laborious to find these energy sources and transport them to distant countries.
Hydrogen, which accounts for 75% of the universe’s mass, is the most abundant element. Hydrogen gas has many advantages. Fuel cells are used in many areas of energy production in the 21st Century. Fuel cells provide the best energy source to overcome these negative effects. The quiet operation of fuel cell engines is a benefit. These engines do not have moving parts, such as shafts or pistons. It is more efficient that gasoline and diesel engines. It doesn’t contain any waste gas which can have negative effects on the atmosphere. Instead, it releases only pure water vapor as well as heat.
Expanding the use of fuel cells is not without its disadvantages. First, there are a limited number of hydrogen production plants and problems with the storage of the gas. These batteries are expensive because there is not mass production. It is difficult to find manufacturers that can produce fuel cells. Also, distribution and production of certain fuel types are very expensive.
Although there are some disadvantages to fuel cells, their use has been expanding rapidly. These batteries can be used in many areas including commercial, industrial, residential, remote, and difficult-to-access locations. Fuel cells are also used extensively in the power generation industry, in hospitals, schools, and other places where batteries can be replaced.
Since years, fuel cells have been used in automobiles by famous manufacturers like Toyota, Daimler Chryler (General Motor), Honda, Nissan and BMW. This technology will allow vehicles to operate silently and produce lower emissions than diesel engines. It will also make them more efficient. The future of automobiles will see fuel cells as the most important energy source and their continued use will be inevitable.
Because of its many benefits, large storage facilities must be established both at home and abroad to store this fuel. This will allow the fuel to be used in more areas. Different energy sources are also possible to increase hydrogen levels. The best example is the boron mines.
