StudentScholarships.org - What is a Fuel Cell?

The 21st century is a revolutionary era. New technologies are being projected almost every day. However I believe that the most beneficial technology invented in the 21st century is the fuel cell.

What is a fuel cell? "A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it also produces electricity." In short, the fuel cell has a similar function to a rechargeable battery.

One of the greatest benefits of using fuel cells is Pollution Reduction. Because fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen, pollution reduction will no longer be a dream. The use of petrol in cars produces a large amount of pollution. However, using fuel cell, cars no longer emit pollution.

Another benefit of using fuel cell is Power Efficiency. "A gasoline powered car is inefficient. All of the heat that comes out as exhaust is wasted energy. The overall efficiency of an automotive gas engine is about 20 percent. On the other hand a battery powered car is highly efficient as the overall efficiency is about 72 percent. In comparison to today's power plants, large fuel cells are able to generate electricity more efficiently."

The third benefit of fuel cells is the longer battery life. Notebooks, cellular phones and hearing aids can be powered by fuel cell and they can last longer than the usual battery. Furthermore fuel cells can be quickly recharged with a liquid or gaseous fuel.

The benefits of fuel cell are not only limited to pollution reduction, power efficiency and longer battery life. It can also be used to power other applications such as lights, heaters, etc. The only Problem of fuel cell is how hydrogen is not readily available and it is difficult to store and distribute making the costs soaring high.

Fuel cells are clean and efficient; it also comes in all sizes. I believe that fuel cell is the door that will lead the world to a new brighter era. Who would argue that they do not desire a better energy source that lasts longer and is not dangerous to the environment?

The use of fossil fuel is dangerous for the environment and increases global warning as it initiates green house effect, pollution, etc. Fuel cell is truly the best invention in the 21st century because it is a progression of fossil fuel, which is limited. Without fossil fuel, we would be unable to travel to places overseas with planes or submarines. Without fossil fuels, there would no longer be motorcycles or cars to help us travel to places faster. When fossil fuel is depleted then, instead of improving to a better era, we would be stepping backwards. Machines will be replaced by humans again and almost all technological aspects would decline.

The invention of fuel cell solves this fatal problem and will save humanity from stepping backwards. This is why I believe that fuel cell is the greatest invention of the 21st century.


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Author: Drew Backley