This animation shows the process that goes on inside an individual fuel cell. The red Hs represent hydrogen molecules (H2) from a hydrogen storage tank. The orange H+ represents a hydrogen ion after its electron is removed. The yellow e- represents an electron moving through a circuit to do work (like lighting a light bulb or powering a car). The green Os represent an oxygen molecule (O2) from the air, and the blue drops at the end are for pure water- the only byproduct of hydrogen power.
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To produce power in large amounts, many of these cells are combined into a fuel cell stack. The image at right shows a fuel cell stack composed of 36 cells.
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Schatz Energy Research Center
Humboldt State University Arcata, CA 95521 |
Phone: 707.826.4345 |
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