Fuel Cell Overview

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cell systems offer the potential for clean, reliable energy generation. These 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 offer commercially viable alternatives to existing power sources.

Hydrogen is the primary fuel source for fuel cells. The process of fuel reforming allows for the extraction of hydrogen from many 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, each producing up to about one volt, are combined into a fuel cell stack. The stack is designed to produce the desired electrical current and voltage for a specific 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.