Tüzelanyagcellákban

Tüzelanyagcellákban, or fuel cells in Hungarian, are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. Unlike batteries, fuel cells do not run down or require recharging; they produce electricity and heat continuously as long as fuel and an oxidizer are supplied. The most common fuel is hydrogen, and the oxidizer is oxygen, typically from the air.

The fundamental principle of a fuel cell involves two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte. At the anode, the fuel is oxidized, releasing electrons and ions. These electrons travel through an external circuit, generating an electric current, while the ions migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode. At the cathode, the ions combine with the oxidizer and the electrons to form a byproduct, usually water.

Various types of fuel cells exist, differentiated by their electrolyte and operating temperature. Common types include Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs), and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs). Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding efficiency, cost, fuel flexibility, and operating conditions, making them suitable for different applications, from portable power to large-scale electricity generation and transportation. The primary byproduct of most fuel cells, especially hydrogen-oxygen systems, is water, making them a potentially clean energy technology with zero direct emissions of greenhouse gases or pollutants.