The Practical Advantages of Fuel Cells

Most of us are already at least vaguely with fuel cell technology. After all, this is currently one of the fastest growing sectors within the energy industry. The irony is that fuel cells (at least in principle) can trace their history back to 1838 when the first unit was invented by a man named Sir William Grove. [1] However, these devices served little practical use at the time. Things have dramatically changed over the past 185 years and the advantages of fuel cells are now undeniable.

This article is intended to delve into how fuel cells function, their applications within the Indian marketplace, their relationship with sustainable approaches to energy production, and even some possible limitations. If you are curious to learn more about why our EFOY line of products have become so desirable, the answers are only moments away.

The Advantages of Fuel Cells from an Environmental Perspective

The fuel cell technology is considered to exert much less of an impact upon the environment. This is critical for both small-scale projects (such as a business lowering its aggregate carbon footprint) and large-scale challenges (including the ability for nations to meet stringent emissions limitations in the future).

The Advantages of Hydrogen Energy in Relation to Fuel Cells

The merits of fuel cell innovations involve much more than the notion of eco-friendliness alone. Let us review a bit of chemistry to appreciate why this method is often preferred. Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in existence. Therefore, choosing these fuel cells for sustainability is a foregone conclusion. The benefits of hydrogen for fuel cells is just as relevant in terms of emissions. The means by which these fuel cells produce energy is unique in the fact that the only byproducts are water and a small amount of heat. The same certainly cannot be said for traditional alternatives.

More than Hydrogen Alone

Now that the advantages of using hydrogen fuel cells instead of rechargeable batteries is clear, it is wise to slightly broaden our horizons. Another promising technology comes in the form of methanol fuel cells. What are the advantages of methanol fuel cells? Sometimes referred to as DMFC systems, here are the main takeaway points [3]:

  • Higher energy density results in increased operational efficiency.
  • The fuel itself is safe and easy to store.
  • Comparatively simple construction lowers purchase and operational costs.
  • Increased durability due to no moving parts.
  • Extremely low emissions.

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What are the Advantages of Fuel Cells from a Real-World Perspective

India is still heavily reliant upon the use of fossil fuels and (arguably) outdated means of energy storage. At the time that this article was written, renewable sources accounted for only 20.5 per cent of total output. [4] Not only is India one of the most energy-dependant nations on the planet, but there are very real concerns about the environmental impact that such methods will have. The advantages of fuel cells are therefore particularly relevant for an economy that is expected to grow at a breakneck pace for at least the next 20 years.

Sustainability aside, this type of energy storage production boasts equally impressive amounts of flexibility. These can likewise be employed across multiple sectors in order to obtain a reliable source of backup power. Examples include:

  • Traffic monitoring devices.
  • Additions to other forms of green energy generation (including wind and solar power).

An Objective Look at the Advantages of Fuel Cells

To quickly review, here are some of the pros of hydrogen fuel cell technology:

  • Hydrogen is one of the most abundant resources in existence.
  • Zero emissions.
  • Fuel cells are extremely energy efficient.
  • Longevity.

A Undeniable Future

It is a foregone conclusion that the somewhat humble fuel cell and its advantages will continue to transform the Indian energy sector as we know it. It is hoped that such a move will one day lead to less of a reliance upon fossil fuels and therefore, a more eco-friendly economy.

This is also why the professionals at SFC Energy continue to provide innovative solutions to the Indian marketplace as well as to the international community. Whether you wish to learn more about the applications of fuel cells, how they function or emerging technologies, our representatives will be happy to assist.

Sources:

  • [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell
  • [2] https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/battery-technology/li-ion-lithium-ion-advantages-disadvantages.php
  • [3] https://www.sfc.com/en/technology/direct-methanol/
  • [4] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1300330/india-renewables-share-electricity-mix/
  • [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484722008332
  • [6] https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/india-is-losing-a-green-energy-subsidy-race-1936debb