Problems with Fuel Cells

 

• The fuel cell uses oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity.
  
  
• The oxygen required for a fuel cell comes from the air.
  
  
• In fact, in the PEM fuel cell, ordinary air is pumped into the cathode.
  
  
• The hydrogen is not so readily available, however.
  
  
• Hydrogen has some limitations that make it impractical for use in most applications.
  
  
• For instance, you don't have a hydrogen pipeline coming to your house, and you can't pull up to a hydrogen pump at your local gas station.
  
  
• Hydrogen is difficult to store and distribute, so it would be much more convenient if fuel cells could use fuels that are more readily available.
  
  
• This problem is addressed by a device called a reformer.
  
  
• A reformer turns hydrocarbon or alcohol fuels into hydrogen, which is then fed to the fuel cell.