Fuel Cell Systems Explained

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Fuel Cell Systems Explained
Fuel cell system is not a new thing in this modern area since many people start to live their life by applying this fuel system gradually. Fuel cell is device which is used to convert chemical energy; fuel into electricity after chemical reactions with oxygen (or other oxidizing agents).

The fuel to be transformed into electrical power is usually hydrogen. However, other fuels are also sometimes used; for example the hydrocarbon, like natural gas, and alcohols such as methanol.

Fuel Cell History

Fuel cell principle was firstly discovered in 1838 by Christian Friedrich, a scientist from German. Later, this principle is demonstrated in 1839 by Welsh scientist. In 1955, a chemist namely Thomas Grubb developed the original design of fuel cells. For the first time, the application of fuel cell systems is carried out in NASA program. Since it was considered beneficial, many experts developed this system for larger usage. During these recent days, we can observe various usages of fuel cell system which give more advantages for human life.

Fuel Cells Benefits

This system is now popular in people recent life because it has some excellences; the one which is advantageous for the people themselves, and the other which is beneficial for the environment. For human life, this fuel system can lower the electricity bill whenever it is applied at houses or some of their devices like vehicles. As we know, fuel cell can produce electricity for the whole home as well as heat for the domestic usage like swimming pool or water heating. For commercial usage, fuel cell system will bring material benefit for the business owners.

In the same time, fuel cells bring benefits for the environment as well. Fuel cell conversion process eradicates the combustion process which is the source of pollutant and carbondioxyde. This will not only good for the environment but also for the people as they will not breathe more smog and CO2. What is more? Fuel cells, in fact, are able to replace gasoline in vehicles.

Application of Fuel Cell Systems

As fuel system becomes more popular these days, many people initiate the use of fuel cell systems in their daily life. There are various applications of fuel cell. Below are the top two common practices of fuel system.

Residential fuel cell. Fuel cell systems can be installed in houses or commercial building to reduce the bill for electricity. By installing fuel cell system in the house, the homeowner will get both electrical power and heat from the natural gases converted by the device.

Fuel cell vehicles. Space program designed by NASA is the first time when fuel cell is used for commercial use. Later, experts improve the usage of this fuel system by applying it on vehicles.

Vehicle is one of the most important parts of people life. People may not live without cars, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles in their daily life. In this modern area, the number of vehicles which emit pollutant keeps increasing. As the result, pollution is everywhere, coming from both private and public vehicles. As people are aware of energy saving issues, fuel cell begins to be popular in vehicle energy conversion. Today, we can see many branded vehicles which make use of fuel cells.

Without a doubt, fuel cell system has become an alternative system in converting energy into electricity. Besides its money saving, it benefits a lot to the environment. Experts and researchers are now working on projects to develop fuel cell system. In the future, fuel cell is expected to be the main source electricity as well as the solution for environmental problems like energy crisis and global warming.
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