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A single fuel cell
consists of a membrane electrode assembly and two flow field
plates. Single cells are combined into a fuel cell stack
to produce the desired level of electrical power.
Each membrane electrode assembly consists of two electrodes (anode and
cathode) with a thin layer of catalyst, bonded to either side of a proton
exchange membrane (PEM).
Gases (hydrogen and air) are supplied to the electrodes on either side
of the PEM through channels formed in the flow field plates. Hydrogen
flows through the channels to the anode where the platinum catalyst promotes
its separation into protons and electrons. On the opposite side of the
PEM, air flows through the channels to the cathode where oxygen in the
air attracts the hydrogen protons through the PEM. The electrons are
captured as useful electricity through an external circuit and combine
with the protons and oxygen to produce water vapor on the cathode side.
For further details
of how a fuel cell works, please visit our Multimedia
section and see our Fuel Cell Technology members’ sites
Ballard
Power Systems
UTC
Fuel Cells
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