Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Basics
Connor Dolan
Part of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association’s (FCHEA) mission is to inform the public on all the environmental and economic benefits of these innovative, clean energy technologies.
To help spread the word on National Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Day, check out some of our introductory resources below on fuel cell systems and hydrogen energy. Don’t forget to share these pages with your colleagues, friends, and relatives!
Fuel Cell Basics - A fuel cell is composed of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. A fuel cell works by passing hydrogen through the anode of a fuel cell and oxygen through the cathode. At the anode site, the hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and excess heat. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules.
Hydrogen Energy Basics - Hydrogen (when used as a fuel), like electricity, is an energy carrier rather than an energy resource. Both electricity and hydrogen can be produced from all energy resources available (including, natural gas, petroleum products, coal, solar and wind electrolysis, biomass, and others). Hydrogen and electricity can be generated from greenhouse gas-neutral sources, addressing climate change and urban air quality problems. As with electricity, hydrogen can also be produced from sustainable domestic and renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar-powered electrolysis, which enhances our long term energy security.
Stationary Fuel Cell Power - Stationary fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction, not combustion, providing clean, efficient, and reliable off-grid power to homes, businesses, telecommunications networks, utilities, and others. Many companies around the country are adopting fuel cells for primary and backup power including: Adobe, Apple, AT&T, CBS, Coca-Cola, Cox Communications, Delmarva Power, eBay, Google, Honda, Microsoft, Target and Walmart, among others.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles - Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are not the cars of the future, they are the cars of today. These innovative, zero emission cars can travel 300 to 400 miles per tank and refuel in just three to five minutes.
FCHEA’s “In Transition” Blog - Check out our blog series for in-depth discussion of specific markets, emerging regions and more information.
For more information and resources on the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, current policies, and market information, visit FCHEA’s Reports page.