Fuel cells as a source of energy

Question 1

Fuel cells define

Answer 1

Fuel cells are type of primary galvanic cells whereby reactants are continuously supplied

Question 2

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Answer 2

• the electrodes are porous which increases the efficiency of the cell, this is because porous electrodes have a higher surface area
• The electrode contains a Catalyst which increases the potential performance (power outlet) of the cell

Question 3

Applications of fuel cells

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Answer 3

• Thermal power plants: do the structures that generate electricity from the heat generated from a chemical reaction
• Internal combustion engines : These structures that generate mechanical energy from Chemical Energy, via the combustion of a fuel

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells and fuel combustion

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Answer 4

• fuel cells are more effective than combustion engines and thermal power plant
• Because fuel cells are more efficient, they lead to a lower production of greenhouse gases
• Fuel cells operate with minimal noise

Question 5

Advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells and fuel combustion

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Answer 5

-Fuel cells, at this stage, a very expensive
-Safety issues : Hydrogen is extremely flammable
Transport and storage issues: per unit volume, the energy density of hydrogen is very low. Therefore, storing enough hydrogen in a fuel tank in a car pose significant challenges

Question 6

Comparing fuel cells and batteries 
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Answer 6

• Like regular galvanic cells fuel cells a generally non-rechargeable and involve a conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy
• In fuel cells, the reactants are continuously supplied, unlike in regular batteries
• In general the electrodes in batteries are not porous where is the electrodes and fuel cells are.
• Fuel cells and more efficient than regular batteries