The best part is, that in using the car, the user learns the basic science of hydrogen fuel cell technology. A fuel cell produces an electrical current that can be directed outside the cell to do work. This can include powering an electric motor or illuminating a light bulb or a even a city. The behavior of electricity returns the current to the fuel cell, thus completing an electrical circuit. A chemical reactions to produce this current key to how a fuel cell works.
There are many different types of fuel cells, and each operates a bit differently. basically, hydrogen atoms enter a fuel cell at the anode where a chemical reaction strips them of their electrons. Hydrogen atoms are "ionized," and carry a positive electrical charge. Negatively charged electrons provide the current through wires to do work. Also, If alternating current (AC) is needed, the Direct Current (DC) output of the fuel cell is routed an inverter which is an AC/DC conversion device.
Oxygen enters the fuel cell at the cathode and, in some cell types, it will combine there with electrons returning from the electrical circuit and hydrogen ions that have traveled through the electrolyte from the anode. Some other cell types allow the oxygen to picks up electrons and then travel through the electrolyte to the anode, where it combines with hydrogen ions.
Electrolyte, the medium used to transport the ions, plays a key role. It permits only the correct ions to pass between anode and cathode. If free electrons or other substances were to travel through the electrolyte, they would spoil the chemical reaction.
So who said learning can't be fun. Ready, Set, H2Go - Get the car of tomorrow... Today!
