A fuel cell (FC) is a static device having energy conversion function. Chemical energy of a fuel is supplied as an input to the FC, which converts it directly into electrical energy. Energy conversion results from a chemical reaction of positively charged hydrogen ions with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. FCs using hydrogen (H₂ ) may be called 'hydrogen FCs'. They are different from batteries in that a continuous source of fuel and oxygen (or air) are required to sustain the chemical reaction, whereas the chemicals in batteries react with each other to generate an electromotive force (EMF). FCs can produce electricity continuously if the proper inputs are supplied. They can be used, as an alternative energy source with low emission of pollutant gases, for primary and backup power for commercial, industrial and residential buildings as well as in remote or inaccessible areas.

Chapter Contents:

• 9.1 Introduction
• 9.2 Principles of FC operation
• 9.3 Reversible open-circuit voltage of FCs
• 9.4 FC's efficiency
• 9.5 Factors affecting VOC
• 9.5.1 Activation losses
• 9.5.2 Ohmic losses
• 9.5.3 Concentration losses
• 9.6 FC equivalent circuit
• 9.7 PEMFC characteristics
• 9.7.1 Calculation of resistances
• 9.7.2 PEMFC computer modelling
• 9.8 Types of FCs
• 9.9 Power-to-gas
• 9.9.1 Principle of operation
• 9.9.2 Applications
• 9.9.2.1 Gas turbines
• 9.9.2.2 Microturbines
• References

Inspec keywords: hydrogen ions; chemical reactions; fuel cells; chemical energy conversion

Other keywords: static device; commercial buildings; residential buildings; oxidizing agent; industrial buildings; alternative energy source; fuel cells; hydrogen FC; chemical reaction; EMF; continuous source; power-to-gas; electromotive force; positively charged hydrogen ions; electrical energy conversion; pollutant gas; chemical energy storage systems; energy conversion function

Subjects: Chemical exchanges (substitution, atom transfer, abstraction, disproportionation, and group exchange); Fuel cells; Other direct energy conversion; Chemical energy conversion; Fuel cells