WHAT IS A FUEL CELL?

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device, similar to a battery in that it provides continuous DC power, which converts the chemical energy from a fuel directly into electricity and heat. When operated directly on hydrogen, the fuel cell produces this energy with clean water as the only by-product. Unlike a battery, which is limited to the stored energy within, a fuel cell is capable of generating power as long as fuel is supplied.

Although hydrogen is the primary fuel source for fuel cells, the process of fuel reforming allows for the extraction of hydrogen from more widely available fuels such as natural gas and propane or any other hydrogen containing fuel.



FROM CELL TO STACK

To produce a usable amount of electricity, multiple fuel cells are combined into a fuel cell stack. The stack is essentially an assembly of individual fuel cells (each producing up to about one volt) designed to produce the desired electrical current and voltage for a specific application such as a residence or small commercial application. The direct current electricity produced can be varied over a wide range by altering the area and number of cells in the stack.



FROM STACK TO SYSTEM

Producing electrical power for a working application requires more than just the fuel cell stack. A fuel cell system may include fuel processing, thermal management, power conditioning, electric grid connection and energy storage modules. The power conditioning system provides regulated DC or AC power appropriate for the application. The successful integration of an entire fuel cell system is critical to achieve optimal performance.



FUEL CELL SYSTEMS OFFER SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES

Fuel Cell systems offer the potential for clean, reliable, on-site energy generation. Capable of operating on multiple fuels, such as natural gas, propane and hydrogen, fuel cell systems can be deployed to operate in parallel with the grid, as independent energy sources or to complement solar and wind generating systems. With a higher efficiency than conventional power generation, little or no pollution and greater flexibility in installation and operation, they will offer commercially viable alternatives to existing power sources.