Vesinikkütuseelement

Vesinikkütuseelement is the Estonian term for a hydrogen fuel cell. A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (typically hydrogen) and an oxidant (typically oxygen) into electricity through a chemical reaction. This process is unlike combustion, as it generates electricity directly and produces only water, heat, and electricity as byproducts.

The fundamental principle of a hydrogen fuel cell involves separating protons and electrons from hydrogen gas. Hydrogen molecules (H2) are fed into the anode of the fuel cell. At the anode, a catalyst, usually platinum, splits the hydrogen molecules into protons (H+) and electrons (e-). The protons then pass through an electrolyte membrane to the cathode. The electrons, unable to pass through the electrolyte, are forced to travel through an external circuit, thus generating an electric current.

At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen (O2) from the air combine to form water (H2O). This reaction is the source of the energy produced by the fuel cell. The efficiency of a hydrogen fuel cell is generally higher than that of internal combustion engines, and its zero-emission nature makes it an attractive technology for clean energy applications.

Hydrogen fuel cells are used in a variety of applications, including powering vehicles (cars, buses, trains), providing backup power for buildings, and for portable electronic devices. The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology is ongoing, with efforts focused on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and developing infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution.