Technologies

Fuel cells

Fueling industries with clean power alternatives

A fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction

Fueling the change

Fuel cells have emerged as an innovative technology that is revolutionizing the way electricity is generated - providing a clean and highly efficient alternative to traditional combustion-based systems. Fuel cells can be described as a special type of battery that generates electricity through a chemical reaction. Unlike traditional batteries that store energy, fuel cells directly convert the energy stored in fuel into electrical power. This makes them an appealing option for various mobility and stationary applications.

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The building blocks of fuel cells

Fuel cells have emerged as an innovative technology revolutionizing electricity generation, offering a clean and highly efficient alternative to traditional combustion-based systems. The building blocks—fuel cell stacks, power modules, and the balance of plant—work together seamlessly to create powerful, efficient energy!

City Illustration

Fuel cell stacks

Fuel cell stacks combine to form power modules, each comprising multiple stacks that efficiently generate electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen

Power module + Balance of Plant (BOP)

Power modules, along with balance-of-plant (BOP) components are integrated into a fuel cell engine. The BOP includes systems such as air and hydrogen supply, cooling, and control units, ensuring optimal conditions for the fuel cell stacks

Integration

This collaborative integration results in a compact and robust fuel cell engine capable of converting hydrogen into electricity with high efficiency and reliability.

Ever wonder how fuel cell vehicles work?

FCEVs operate on a propulsion system like battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), but with the added advantage of a combined hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell engine. This unique system converts stored hydrogen into electricity through the fuel cell while in operation, supplying direct power to an electric motor(s). The hydrogen is securely stored on board in high-pressure tanks, resembling the storage method used in natural gas-fueled trucks. This innovative design enables FCEVs to maintain a charged battery and provide immediate electricity for the traction system during operation.

     

Power flow in a FC vehicle

 

 

 

A world that's emissions free + within reach

Decarbonized power

When fueled with hydrogen generated from renewable energy, such as solar, wind or hydropower, fuel cells produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Free of NOx emissions

All internal combustion engines (ICE), even the most fuel efficient, emit nitrous oxide related to the combustion process. Combustion does not occur in a hydrogen fuel cell power module, thus produces no NOx emissions.

Higher energy efficiency

Because they convert chemical potential energy directly into electricity, fuel cells avoid thermal bottlenecks as the process is more efficient without the need to further process and convert stored energy.

Fast, familiar fueling

Refueling a fuel cell power module with hydrogen is similar to refueling a diesel engine vehicle. Instead of a diesel pump, a hydrogen pump is used to ‘fill up’ the hydrogen fuel tank

Better for the environment

With water and steam being the only byproduct, PEM fuel cells won’t pollute the air with emissions.

Reduced maintenance

Fuel cells have fewer moving parts that are necessary to keep running at optimal performance compared to traditional combustion engines. Less parts needing upkeep = less overall maintenance required.

Fuel cell applications

Innovative fuel cell technology delivering decarbonized power for applications that keep the world running.