Fuel Cells

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process called reverse electrolysis. This fuel cell reaction combines hydrogen and oxygen to form water vapor, heat and electricity. All three by-products can be further utilized by the fuel cell system. For example, waste heat can be utilized for space heating and cooling. The water vapor can be captured and used as the feedstock for additional hydrogen and the electricity is channeled into an external circuit where it is used by any electric appliance such as a motor. Fuel cells are cleaner burning than fossil fuels and there is a growing trend towards fuel cell type vehicles. Some of the main hurdles are cost and convenience but time and money invested in this technology is likely to lead to new fuel cell breakthroughs.