Features of Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Since the early 1970s, there has been a global emphasis on the need to come up with a greener alternative source of power. In recent years, this has finally come to fruition with the development of a technology that uses hydrogen to produce electricity. A hydrogen fuel cell generator uses hydrogen to produce electricity with only heat and water as by-products. Though they have only been around for a little more than a decade, hydrogen fuel cell generators are advancing and proving themselves to be reliable green sources of energy. This article will cover the features of hydrogen fuel cell(HFC) and the advantages they offer.

#1 Zero Carbon Emission

Hydrogen fuel cells produce no carbon emission or any by-product that is harmful to the environment. The only by-products of hydrogen are heat and water. This makes hydrogen fuel cells well suited for the decarbonized direction the world is heading. It negates the cost and effect of disposing of toxic waste such as batteries, fossil fuel and others. Multiple corporations have chosen hydrogen fuel cells as standard of their specifically designed sustainability programs.

#2 Highly Reliable

Hydrogen Fuel Cells have proven the robustness of their integrity and reliability in the face of harsh environments and tough conditions. When Hurricane Michael hit Florida in October 2018, Hydrogen Fuel Cells were used to supply power during the storm. They have also been used in areas of extreme environments with temperatures as low as -40° Celsius and in deserts with scorching temperatures.

#3 Highly Efficient

According to studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, on average, hydrogen fuel cells have an energy efficiency of 40-60%. This is substantially higher compared to traditional combustion-based power plants that on average produces electrical power at an efficiency around 33-35%. Its efficiency is even higher compared to the average of 20% efficiency in cars that convert chemical energy in the form of fossil fuel into power.

#4 Scalable

The modular design of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell makes it more reliable and easily serviceable. But the best feature of a hydrogen fuel cell is its scalability. Manufacturers may engineer them according to the various and specific energy requirements of customers. This is why you see hydrogen fuel cells used in power backup plants in large corporate offices as well as in homes for residential use.

#5 Low Maintenance and Operational Cost

Hydrogen fuel cells need very little maintenance. They contain no components that need to be changed or charged to perform at an optimal level. Fuel cells last longer than lead-acid batteries and can be refueled in less than two minutes. As a result, the operational cost of hydrogen fuel cells is significantly lower than that of battery and internal combustion generators.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned above, hydrogen fuel cells have many advantages and features that make them preferable to battery based and internal combustion power generators. If you’re looking for a residential hydrogen fuel cell generator, Aris Renewable Energy is one of the leading manufacturers of fuel cells in the world. Their products are the most efficient fuel cells in the world and they come in several sizes to suit the various needs of customers. Visit their website for more information on their products and company.

Author’s bio. The author is an online blogger. The article is about hydrogen fuel cell generator.