Glossary
Anode
The negative electrode in a hydrogen fuel cell where hydrogen gas is fed and ionized, releasing protons and electrons.
Example:
In a fuel cell, hydrogen molecules arrive at the anode to begin the electricity generation process.
Cathode
The positive electrode in a hydrogen fuel cell where oxygen, protons, and electrons combine to form water.
Example:
Oxygen from the air enters the cathode to complete the circuit and form water.
Clean Energy
Energy sources that produce minimal or no pollutants or greenhouse gases during operation, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Example:
The fact that hydrogen fuel cells produce only water makes them a promising source of clean energy.
Electrolyte
A special substance within a fuel cell that allows ions (specifically protons in hydrogen fuel cells) to move between the anode and cathode.
Example:
The electrolyte acts like a selective filter, allowing only protons to pass through while forcing electrons to travel an external path.
Energy Carrier
A substance or phenomenon that can be used to move energy from one place to another or convert it into a usable form, rather than being a primary energy source itself.
Example:
Hydrogen is considered an energy carrier because it must be produced using other energy sources like solar or wind power.
High Efficiency
The ability of an energy conversion system to convert a large percentage of input energy into useful output energy, minimizing waste.
Example:
With up to 80% high efficiency, hydrogen fuel cells waste less energy compared to traditional combustion engines.
Hydrogen Availability
Refers to the current challenge of producing, storing, and distributing hydrogen fuel widely and affordably for widespread adoption.
Example:
A major hurdle for hydrogen vehicles is the limited hydrogen availability at fueling stations compared to gasoline.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Devices that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing water and heat as byproducts. They generate energy as long as fuel is supplied, unlike batteries that store it.
Example:
A future car might run on a hydrogen fuel cell, emitting only water vapor from its tailpipe.
Manufacturing Cost
The expense associated with producing hydrogen fuel cells, often high due to the use of expensive materials and specialized labor.
Example:
The high manufacturing cost of fuel cells is a significant barrier to their widespread commercialization.
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
A high-temperature fuel cell that uses a molten carbonate salt mixture as the electrolyte, suitable for large-scale power plants due to its high efficiency.
Example:
For industrial-scale power generation, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells are considered for their high efficiency, despite their complexity.
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells
A type of fuel cell that uses liquid phosphoric acid as the electrolyte and operates at medium temperatures, often used for stationary power generation.
Example:
A large hospital might use Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells for cogeneration, providing both electricity and heat.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells
A type of hydrogen fuel cell that operates at low temperatures and uses a polymer membrane as the electrolyte, commonly used in vehicles and portable devices.
Example:
Many prototype electric vehicles use Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells due to their quick start-up and high power density.