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Fuel Cells

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce heat, electricity, and water.  A fuel cell will continue to produce power as long as oxygen and hydrogen gases are fed to it.

Fuel cells were first discovered by Sir William Grove in 1839.  Due to technology limitations, the first successful fuel cell was not developed until 1932 by Francis Bacon. 

NASA began utilization of fuel cells to provide onboard power to the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft in the 1960's, and continues fuel cell use to this day.

Fuel cells applications are growing at an exponential rate, due to their efficiency and the low levels of pollution that are produced.  Companies like General Motors are aggressively pursuing fuel cell applications in stationary and portable power systems, and hope to have fuel cell powered vehicles operating in the near future.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)Fuel Cell

A PEM fuel cell uses a solid polymer electrolyte to transfer protons and water.  When combined with catalysts, a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) is formed, allowing the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen gases.  Upon completion of an external circuit the fuel cell produces electricity.