Fuel Cells in the Automotive Industry

Fuel Cells

• A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell where a fuel donates electrons at one electrode and oxygen gains electrons at the other electrode.
• They are becoming increasingly used in the automotive industry to replace petrol or diesel engines.

Principles of Fuel Cells

• As fuel enters the cell, it becomes oxidized, setting up a potential difference or voltage within the cell.
• Different electrolytes and fuels can be used to create different types of fuel cells.

Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell

• This type of fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to release energy and water.
• Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells include:
  • Zero pollution
  • Higher energy production per kilogram than petrol or diesel
  • No power loss during transmission due to the absence of moving parts
  • No battery disposal issues
  • Continuous energy production as long as fuel is supplied
• Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells include:
  • Expensive materials used in production
  • High-pressure tanks required for oxygen and hydrogen storage, which are dangerous and difficult to handle
  • Reduced efficiency at low temperatures
  • High cost of producing and storing hydrogen

Learn about fuel cells, their electrochemical process, and their increasing use in the automotive industry as an alternative to petrol or diesel engines.