Fuel Cells Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fuel Cells - Essay ExampleThe fuel prison cell is designed such that a proton-conducting polymer membrane separates the anode and the cathode. On the anode electrode, hydrogen diffuses to the anode catalyst, and it later dissociates into protons and electrons. The protons will react with atomic number 8 molecules at the cathode side, infusing via the polymer electrolyte membrane as well as the electrons coming through the outer circuit to pass on water molecules. The protons are conducted through the membrane to the cathode while the electrons travel through an external circuit since the diligence is insulated electrically. The reaction on the cathode electrode involves oxygen molecules and both the electrons and the protons (Scherer 35). Phosphoric blistering fuel cellIn this vitrine of cell, hydrogen ions are passed to the cathode using phosphoric acid. These cells usually work at moderate temperatures. The relatively lavishly temperatures cause a affectionateness and ener gy loss if the heat is not removed and properly used. The heat can be turned into a useable source of energy for air conditioners and other thermic energy consuming systems (Onovwiona ans Ugursal 389). This property makes the phosphoric acid fuel cell more useful and improves the efficiency to about 80%. The anode electrode in this cell uses a platinum catalyst that accelerates the conversion of hydrogen into free ions and electrons are produced (Scherer 34). The electrons travel from the anode to the cathode cell through an external electrical circuit since phosphoric acid is a non-conducting electrolyte.