An electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity, with no combustion and no moving parts: at one electrode the fuel gives up electrons, which flow through an external circuit as current, while at the other they rejoin protons and oxygen to make water and heat. Running on hydrogen a fuel cell emits only water, and efficiencies can exceed 60 percent, well above what heat engines of similar scale achieve.
Facts
Technology TypeElectrochemical conversion 1 Invented Year Connections
Associated With
Source United States Department of Energy Official Site
A solid oxide fuel cell is a specific type of fuel cell distinguished by its ceramic solid oxide electrolyte.
Developed By
Built the first fuel cell, the gas voltaic battery, 1839.
Uses Source
Source United States Department of Energy Official Site
Sources
1. United States Department of Energy Official Site
US Department of EnergyHydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, Fuel CellsQuote, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, Fuel Cells
The electrons go through an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity.
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationHistoryQuote, History
The first references to hydrogen fuel cells appeared in 1838.
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