There
are several kinds of fuel cells, but Polymer Electrolyte Membrane
(PEM) fuel cells-also called Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells-are
the type typically used in automobiles. A PEM fuel cell uses hydrogen
fuel and oxygen from the air to produce electricity.
The diagram below shows how these fuel cells work.
CLICK
HERE for an animated illustration (Flash 5.0 or higher required).
Fuel
Cell Stacks
Most
fuel cells designed for use in vehicles produce less than 1.16 volts
of electricity-far from enough to power a vehicle. Therefore,
multiple cells must be assembled into a fuel cell stack.
The potential power generated by a fuel cell stack depends on the
number and size of the individual fuel cells that comprise the stack
and the surface area of the PEM.
Most
fuel cells designed for use in vehicles produce less than 1.16 volts
of electricity-far from enough to power a vehicle. Therefore,
multiple cells must be assembled into a fuel cell stack.
The potential power generated by a fuel cell stack depends on the
number and size of the individual fuel cells that comprise the stack
and the surface area of the PEM.