The fuel cell is the future that begins today!

The beginning of the 21st century regards ecology as one of the most important world tasks. And the first thing that should be paid attention in the prevailing conditions is the search for and use of alternative energy sources. They are able to prevent pollution of our environment, as well as completely abandon the continuously rising fuel based on hydrocarbons.

Already today, energy sources such as solar cells and wind turbines have been used. But, unfortunately, their lack is connected with the dependence on the weather, as well as on the season and time of day. For this reason, their use in astronautics, aircraft and automotive industry is gradually abandoned, and for stationary use they are equipped with secondary power sources - batteries.

However, the best solution is the fuel cell, since it does not require constant power charging. This device, which is capable of processing and converting a different type of fuel (gasoline, alcohol, hydrogen, etc.) directly into electrical energy.

The fuel cell operates according to the following principle: from the outside, fuel is supplied, which is oxidized by oxygen, and the energy released is converted into electricity. This principle of operation ensures almost perpetual operation.

Since the end of the XIX century, scientists have studied directly the fuel cell, and constantly developed new modifications. So, for today, depending on the operating conditions, there are alkaline or alkaline (AFC), direct borohydrate (DBFC), electro-galvanic (EGFC), direct methanol (DMFC), zinc-air (ZAFC), microbial (MFC) Models on formic acid (DFAFC) and metal hydrides (MHFCs) are also known.

One of the most promising is the hydrogen fuel cell. The use of hydrogen in power plants is accompanied by a significant release of energy, and the exhaust of such a device is pure water vapor or drinking water that does not pose any threat to the environment.

The successful testing of fuel cells of this type on space vehicles has recently attracted considerable interest from manufacturers of electronics and various equipment. So, the company PolyFuel introduced a miniature fuel cell on hydrogen fuel for laptops. But the too high cost of such a device and the complexity of its unhindered refueling limits industrial production and wide distribution. Also, Honda has been producing automobile fuel cells for over 10 years. However, this kind of transport does not go on sale, but only for official use of the company's employees. Cars are under the supervision of engineers.

Many people are wondering if it is possible to assemble the fuel cell by themselves. After all, a significant advantage of the homemade device will be a small investment of funds, in contrast to the industrial model. For a miniature model, you need 30 cm of platinum-coated nickel wire, a small piece of plastic or wood, a clip for a 9-volt battery and the battery itself, a transparent adhesive tape, a glass of water and a voltmeter. Such a device will allow you to see and understand the essence of the work, but of course you will not be able to generate electricity for the car.