5. The fuel cell
For hydrogen-powered cars, the fuel cell is the system that supplies the electricity needed to run the electric motor(s). As with Li-ion batteries, several technologies have been developed, but the one that has come to the fore for mobility is the PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell).
5.1 Principle
In most technologies, the fuel cell achieves the reverse of water electrolysis. Hydrogen and oxygen from the air react within the fuel cell to produce electricity, heat and water. The principle was discovered in 1839 by Christian Schönbein, and the first prototype was built by the British Sir William Grove. Although the principle is simple, its realization is difficult. In the 1960s, NASA used fuel cells to produce electricity and water in the capsules of its...
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The fuel cell
Supercapacitor. The electric motor
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