Fuel cell technology is one of the promising environmentally friendly mobility solutions during climate change and air pollution. In contrast to internal combustion engine vehicles that use fossil fuels, a fuel cell uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity that drives machines. How does it work? What are the types? Let's discuss it!

Fuel Cell Working Principle

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical process. Imagine a fuel cell as a battery that never runs out. Instead of storing energy like a battery, fuel cells produce electricity directly from the fuel, namely hydrogen and oxygen.

In the process, hydrogen flows to the anode and oxygen flows to the cathode. In the cell, these two gases react with the help of a catalyst, producing electrical energy and channeling to the electric motor to drive the vehicle, leaving water as the emission.

Types of Fuel Cells and Their Applications

Based on the operating temperature, fuel cells can be divided into 3 types:

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC): This type is generally used for vehicles and portable applications because the operating temperature is relatively low (around 80°C) and does not take long to generate electricity.
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC): This type is most suitable for large-scale use, such as factory power plants. This fuel cell operates at very high temperatures (700-1,000°C) and can use a variety of fuels, including methanol and natural gas.
• Molten-Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC): Operating at 200-500°C, MCFC has higher resistance and is suitable for large stationary power plants.

Apart from vehicles, fuel cell also has various applications in other sectors, such as:

• Power plants: Fuel cells can be used as a clean and efficient energy source for small and large-scale power plants.
• Industry: Fuel cells can provide energy for industries that require reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
• Maritime: Fuel cells can be used to propel ships and reduce exhaust emissions at sea.

Clean Energy and the Future of Transportation

Compared to the internal combustion engines that dominate transportation today, fuel cell offers several key advantages:

• Zero Emission: Fuel cells only produce water as a by-product, so it does not pollute the air with harmful exhaust emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulates which can contribute to air pollution. This makes fuel cells an ideal environmentally friendly solution to combat air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• High Efficiency: Fuel cells can convert chemical energy into electrical energy with higher efficiency. With the same amount of fuel, fuel cells can produce more energy, thereby increasing vehicle range and reducing fuel consumption.
• Silent Operation: Thanks to its electrochemical properties, the fuel cell operates very quietly. Fuel cell produces minimal noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

These advantages make fuel cells a promising technology for the future of transportation. Hyundai, as a global leader in automotive technology, continues to innovate in the development of fuel cells to provide more environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles.

Hyundai has several models of hydrogen cars that use its fuel cell, such as the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell and Hyundai Nexo. Hyundai is also developing a third-generation fuel cell stack that is more efficient and compact than the previous generation, enabling longer range and more economical hydrogen consumption. Development of fuel cells hoped that it can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as well as encouraging the transition towards more sustainable mobility.