About Fuel Cells

Fuel cell electric vehicles refuelling at the BOC/Honda hydrogen station, Swindon UK
Fuel cell electric vehicles at the FC Expo, Tokyo, Japan
Ene-Farm stationary fuel cell
Fuel cell bus servicing route RV1 in London, UK
PEM fuel cell stack
Tubular solid oxide fuel cells
Hydrogen refuelling station nozzle

Fuel cell technology offers clean, efficient, reliable power generation to almost any device requiring electrical power. Fuel cells are used in a wide range of portable, stationary and transport applications, from battery chargers to home heating and power to cars. Arguably, fuel cells represent the most versatile energy solution ever invented. Here you can find more information about the history and commercial applications of fuel cells.

History

The concept of a fuel cell was demonstrated in the early nineteenth century by a number of scientists including Humphry Davy and Christian Friedrich Schönbein. William Grove, a chemist, physicist and lawyer, is generally credited with inventing the fuel cell in 1839.

Applications

Fuel cells are used in a large number of different applications. Here we categorise these into three broad areas: portable power generation, stationary power generation, and power for transportation.

Technologies

A fuel cell is like a battery in that it generates electricity from an electrochemical reaction. Fuel cells however use an external supply of chemical energy meaning they can run indefinitely, as long as they are supplied with a source of hydrogen and a source of oxygen (usually air).

Frequently Asked Questions

For the answers to some common queries regarding fuel cells, please see our list of frequently asked questions.

Analysis

  • Industry Review
    The Industry Review 2013

    The Fuel Cell Today Industry Review summarises the state of the global fuel cell industry.

  • Analyst Views
    The last Analyst View from Fuel Cell Today

    Read the collection of short articles covering themes of interest in the fuel cell industry.

  • Case Studies
    2012 Fuel Cell RCS Review

    Fuel Cell Today’s case studies highlight specific applications where fuel cells currently offer benefits.

  • Surveys
    Water Electrolysis & Renewable Energy Systems

    Fuel Cell Today's surveys cover specific applications in more detail and focus on individual countries' fuel cell activities.

© Johnson Matthey Plc 2014