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Fuel Cells

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel directly into electricity and heat.

When hydrogen is supplied as the fuel, it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, and its only by-products are water and heat. This process is clean, silent, and incredibly efficient. A fuel cell can generate power as long as a fuel source is supplied, unlike a battery which is limited to the stored energy within. Fuels cells are capable of operating on a number of fuels, including natural gas, propane and hydrogen.

Benefits
Fuel cell technology stands in a class of its own when it comes to the benefits it offers.
Aside from having low or zero emissions, it is highly efficient and reliable, has great flexibility in terms of installation, operation and scale, and is durable and easy to maintain. 

Applications
There are numerous applications for fuel cells that are currently in use and/or under development. Currently there are over 2500 stationary fuel cell systems operating throughout the world, providing supplemental power and grid-independent, on-site service in places like schools, hospitals, office buildings, telecom sites and landfills.

Fuels cells are also on the verge of making a major impact in the transportation sector. Though commercialization of fuel cell vehicles is at least five years away, all major automotive manufacturers have vehicles in development or testing at this time. Furthermore, fuel cell buses and scooters are proving to be an important application that can significantly reduce both the air and noise pollution typically associated with these modes of transportation. Fuel cells are also being explored for use in the trucking industry, with planes, trains, and boats, and even forklifts!

They also present a great opportunity to provide power when no electric grid is available. Whether providing a quiet alternative to generators or for use in emergency backup power or with military operations, fuel cells are a great alternative to batteries since they are lighter and last much longer. When scaled down to smaller sizes, a fuel cell’s benefits over batteries also makes them a great application for telecommunications. Typically running on methanol, miniature fuel cells can power everything from laptops and cell phones to hearing aids and portable tools.

The Future of Fuel Cells
Currently there are still many technical and engineering challenges to be addressed before fuel cells can be produced and implemented on a mass scale. Fortunately researchers and developers are making strides each and every day. Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing fuel cells at this time is the significant cost. Over time however, as more fuel cells are produced on a greater scale, prices should decline accordingly. In New York State, fuel cells technologies are eligible for participation in the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program. Please browse our links and resources for more information about fuels cells and their many benefits and uses.