A new era in the history of energy sources is called fuel cell technology. The first fuel cell was built in 1839 by Sir William Grove, a Welsh judge and gentleman scientist. However, his new ideas of a new power source were not taken seriously until long after his death. Serious interest in the fuel cell as a practical generator did not begin until the 1960’s, when the U.S. space program chose fuel cells over riskier nuclear power and more expensive solar energy. According to www.fuelcells.org. The fu

The future now looks a little brighter and the atmosphere looks a great deal healthier because of this new innovation. God only knows how far how this technology might effect the human civilization. Man originally began destruction of mother Earth with their technology but, because of fuel cells, the human race is one step closer to repairing the damage that they have caused.

This reaction in a single fuel cell produces only about .7 volts. To get this voltage up to a reasonable level, many separate fuel cells must be combined to form a fuel-cell stack. These fuel-cell stacks operate at a fairly low temperature (about 176 degrees Fahrenheit) causing them warm up quickly and does not require expensive containment structures. Constant improvements in the engineering and materials used in these cells have increased the power density to a level where a device about the size of a small piece of luggage can power a car.

The catalyst is a special material that facilitates the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen. It is usually made of platinum powder very thinly coated onto carbon paper or cloth. The catalyst is rough and porous so that the maximum surface area of the platinum can be exposed to the hydrogen or oxygen. The platinum-coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM (proton exchange membrane).

Fuel cells are obviously a more efficient new source of technology. It will hopefully have a great impact on the world as a whole. Auto emissions will be cut down in a massive way and this will allow the atmosphere to repair itself. Pollution is a major concern in the modern age and fuel cells are one small step for man and one gian

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