12 Electrifying Fun Facts About Fuel Cells You Never Knew!

1. Houston's Fuel Cell Solution

Houston, we have a solution: it turns out that NASA began using hydrogen fuel cells to power spacecraft's electrical systems, and since then, these energy dynamos have found their way into powering gadgets like laptops and cell phones, as well as contributing to power grids and emergency backup systems. Nowadays, you can spot 166 of these fuel cell electric power generators flexing their 260-megawatt muscles at 113 facilities across the United States.
Source => eia.gov

2. The Cool PEMFC Party

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the marvelous fuel cell that takes chilling out to a whole new level: proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) can operate at low temperatures between 50 and 100°C thanks to a nifty proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane! This cool character's low operating temperature allows for lightweight materials, making it the life of the party for transportation and portable applications.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that frog legs played a key role in the invention of batteries? Discover how an electrifying 1780 experiment led to the Energizers we use today!

=> Fun Facts about Batteries

3. Pint-sized Power Plants

Whoever said "size doesn't matter" clearly never had to control a micro fuel cell system: These pint-sized power plants pack a punch with their high energy density, efficiency, and eco-friendly nature, and are taking the world by storm as potential new energy sources for vehicles and portable gadgets. Fear not, dear reader, for our tiny heroes have found a sidekick in power regulation systems that directly control the fuel cell stack's output, ensuring optimum stability and easy operation.
Source => frontiersin.org

4. Electric Cosmic Cocktail

Before astronauts could shoot for the moon, they had to sip on some electric cosmic cocktail: The Gemini spacecraft used a fuel cell powered by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen in the 1960s, showcasing its long-duration capabilities for over 1000 hours. This space-age energy innovation, designed by General Electric, became a mainstay in the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, sparking a growing interest in the potential and versatility of hydrogen fuel cells back here on terra firma.
Source => airandspace.si.edu

5. Sir Grove: Fuel Cell Inventor & Rule-Breaker

William Robert Grove: fuel cell inventor by day, scientific rule-breaker by night! Not only did he give birth to fuel cell technology, but he also managed to ruffle quite a few fancy lab coats during his time at the Royal Society: Grove campaigned for limiting the number of new Fellows and the nomination power of the Council, leading to major reformations and the resignation of conservative members. From revolutionizing science to judging the Court of Common Pleas, Sir Grove was truly a man of many talents!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Fuel Buffet for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

As if they were attending a lavish fuel buffet, solid oxide fuel cells are the pickiest eaters around: they can chow down on a variety of gaseous fuels like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane without batting an electroniferous eye!
Source => mdpi.com

7. Bacterial Betrayal for Energy Boost

In a shocking twist of microbial betrayal, some bacteria have evolved into electric eels of the microbial world, thriving on the power of tiny, electrifying nanowires: Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens can produce bacterial nanowires under anaerobic conditions, allowing them to directly transfer electrons to the anode in microbial fuel cells and greatly increase efficiency while ditching the need for vicious, wallet-draining, and toxic mediators.
Source => ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

8. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Play

Move over, Energizer Bunny, there's a new power player in town: The U.S. Department of Energy's Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Program is on a mission to develop low-cost, highly efficient, and eco-friendly fuel cell technology for natural gas or coal-derived synthesis gas-powered generation. Aiming for an efficiency of over 60% without carbon capture and storage, they're targeting a stack cost of $225/kW and a system cost of $900/kW. Power up!
Source => energy.gov

9. H2-Powered Drone Domination

When drone batteries just won't cut it and Energizer Bunnies are on vacation: DMA's DS30 drone, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, can fly up to two hours between refueling, making it four times more efficient than its battery-powered counterparts, and even capable of transporting emergency supplies, delivering medical equipment, and monitoring solar farms without breaking a sweat.
Source => electronicdesign.com

10. Waterworks from Fuel Cell Cars

Whoever said "don't cry over spilled milk" clearly never met a hydrogen fuel cell car: they might cry happy tears as their emissions are just harmless puddles of H2O! Serious reveal: These eco-friendly knights ditch the pollution horse and carriage, producing zero emissions and releasing only pure water as their waste product.
Source => driveclean.ca.gov

11. Maritime Wingmen to Sky Domination

Fuel cells, the maritime wingmen of German submarines, have been underwater partying together since 2005, making zero-emission journeys look "oar-some"! Now, they're on a quest for sky domination: These trusty fuel cells are being developed by the German Aerospace Center to power civil aviation, with applications for high-altitude and long endurance aircraft—all while staying CO²-free and much quieter than conventional gliders. So, buckle up and enjoy the “high”-energy ride!
Source => dw.com

12. Clean, Steamy Emissions

What do fuel cell electric vehicles have in common with British humor and a spa treatment? Clean, steamy emissions, of course! : Fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen emit only water vapor and warm air, providing an eco-friendly transportation alternative to gas-guzzling cars that spew noxious nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
Source => afdc.energy.gov