A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy directly into electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. The Fuel Cell consists of two electrodes: an anode (a negative electrode) and a cathode (a positive electrode), sandwiched around an electrolyte that provides heat and electricity for buildings and electrical power for vehicles, electronic devices, and systems as large as a utility power station and as small as a laptop computer.

Reference Definition by Chfca.ca: A Fuel Cell produces electricity through a chemical reaction, but without combustion. It converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process also creates electricity. It’s an electro-chemical energy conversion device that produces electricity, water, and heat. Fuel cells operates much like a battery, except they don’t require electrical recharging. A battery stores all of its chemicals inside and coverts the chemicals into electricity. Once those chemicals run out, the battery dies. A fuel cell, on the other had, receives the chemicals it uses from the outside; therefore, it won’t run out. Fuel cells can generate power almost indefinitely, as long as they have fuel to use.

Related Definitions in the Project: The Hydrogen Fuel Cell; Technology Definitions