brændselscelle

A brændselscelle, or fuel cell in English, is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant into electricity through a chemical reaction. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. Instead, it continuously produces electricity as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied. The most common fuel is hydrogen, and the oxidant is typically oxygen from the air.

The fundamental principle behind a fuel cell involves the separation of positively and negatively charged ions. In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen gas is fed to the anode, where a catalyst (often platinum) splits the hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The protons travel through an electrolyte to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, generating an electric current. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen from the air combine to form water, which is the primary byproduct. Other types of fuel cells exist, utilizing different fuels like methanol or natural gas, and employing various electrolyte materials.

Fuel cells offer several advantages, including high energy efficiency and low or zero emissions, particularly when using hydrogen. This makes them a promising technology for various applications, from powering vehicles and portable electronic devices to providing stationary power generation. However, challenges remain, such as the cost of fuel cell components, the infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution, and the durability of some fuel cell designs. Research and development continue to address these issues, aiming to make fuel cell technology more accessible and widespread.