| What
exactly does a fuel cell? The
fuel cell reverses the process of electrolysis which is known from school. In
the process of electrolysis by applying electric power water is decomposed into
the gaseous components oxygen and hydrogen.
The fuel cell takes exactly these two substances and converts them to water again.
In theory the same amount of energy which has been used for the electrolysis is
set free by this conversion. In practice insignificant losses are caused by different
physical-chemical processes. So
to say electric power is stored in hydrogen. Therefore we have a gas at our disposal
in which electric power can be stored and this gas is hydrogen. In fuel cells
we get back the electric power stored in the hydrogen. Most fuel cells are operating
with air, so there is no need to store oxygen.
There are different types of fuel cells which are distinguished by construction
and mode of function. In the next chapters, fundamental modes of operation of
different fuel cells are described. | 
HFP Infotools
