Focus

Fuel cells are chemical devices that react hydrogen with oxygen in a controlled way to produce water vapour and electricity. They physically consist of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte and a membrane, and can be either flat or rolled together (much like conventional batteries). Usually the cells are designed as plates, which are then arranged in a pile, called a stack. The stack normally is accompanied by various ancillary components, such as fuel reformer and water pumps, and the whole unit is called a fuel cell system. The chemical reaction causes voltage between both sides of the cell, which can then be connected via an external circuit. It is the electrons flowing through this circuit that provide electrical current to the power device such as a motor. The process is quiet, requires no moving parts, and produces no pollutants.

Reforming can be done remotely or immediately before the fuel cell.

There is the opportunity to easily separate and sequester the carbon dioxide produced if the reforming is done on a large scale, otherwise the carbon dioxide must be collected from the reformer.

Carbon dioxide injecting is an established technology, and the ability to sequester carbon for the long term is currently being demonstrated, this is examined further in WEC’s focus on CCS. The more complicated hydrocarbons (coal and oil) are more difficult to reform and lead to a less efficient process, therefore methane (natural gas) or methanol is often preferred.