What is Fuel Cell? – Types, Advantages, Applications | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn What is Fuel Cell?. Also Types of Fuel Cell, Advantages, and Applications as well. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Engineering Notes syllabus wise and easy to understand.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

What is Fuel Cell?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that turns the chemical energy of a fuel into electricity via a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. It usually comprises of two electrodes (anode and cathode), separated by an electrolyte. Hydrogen is a commonly utilized fuel that combines with oxygen from the air at the cathode to produce electricity, heat, and water vapor as byproducts. Fuel cells are well-known for their high efficiency, minimal emissions, and potential usage in a wide range of applications, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable devices.

Working Principle of Fuel Cell

A fuel cell works by directly turning the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electrical energy via an electrochemical reaction. The fuel reacts at the anode, breaking into protons and electrons. Electrons pass through an external circuit, generating electrical current, while protons move through an electrolyte to the cathode. At the cathode, oxygen combines with protons and electrons, producing water as a byproduct. This method produces electricity constantly as long as fuel and oxygen are available, with low emissions and excellent efficiency.

Types of Fuel Cell

There are six types of Fuel Cell –

1. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
2. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
3. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC)
4. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)
5. Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)
6. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)

Advantages

Below we listed some advantages of fuel cells –

1. These cells has higher efficiency.
2. It produces minimum pollutants.
3. It is versatile.

Applications

Below we listed some applications of fuel cells –

1. These cells are used in EVs
2. Used in Military and Aerospace Engineering.
3. Also used in ships, ferries, and yachts.