how a fuel cell works
A fuel cell works like a battery which never needs recharging and never goes flat. Like a battery, it is silent and does not have any moving parts. But a fuel cell differs in two ways: it contains no hazardous materials and it uses a renewable non-polluting fuel source. For operation, fuel cells need hydrogen and oxygen or hydrogen and air. The heart of a fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. An electrochemical reaction between the gases produces electricity, water and heat. Fuel cells generate electricity without burning the fuel and since they operate on pure hydrogen, they don't generate any oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. These two oxides are the chief precursors of acid rain.

There are different types of fuel cells based on different electrolyte materials. Each type of fuel cell has different potential applications. ElectroChem has focused its development work on Solid Polymer, or Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures, around 85°C. They have high power density, can start instantly at full capacity and can adjust quickly to variable power demands. PEM fuel cells are the prime candidates for light-duty vehicles, for remote, distributed power generations and also for much smaller applications, such as replacements for rechargeable batteries. According to a recent study by Business Communication Company, the total market for fuel cells is estimated to reach $2.4 billion by 2005, up from an estimated $218 million in 2000.

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