FUEL CELLS:
AN OVERVIEW
THE PATHWAY TO A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
GROUP 8
01
30TH JANUARY, 2025
THE TEAM
GROUP 8
UZODINMA MARYJANE
UDEACHARA CHUKWUDUBEM
OYEBANJI FIRDAUS
ABEGUNDE OLUWATIMILEHIN
ADIGWE JOSEPH
LECTURER: EMMANUEL USEN
02
WHAT IS A FUEL
CELL?
A static energy conversion
device that converts chemical
energy from fuel (like
hydrogen) directly into
electrical energy.
03
THE PROCESS OF FUEL CELL
04
HOW FUEL CELLS
WORK?
Hydrogen combines with oxygen to
produce electricity, water, and heat.
Key Components:
Anode: Splits hydrogen into ions
and electrons.
Cathode: Combines ions and
oxygen to form water.
Electrolyte: Transfers ions but
blocks electrons.
External Circuit: Conducts
electrons, producing electricity
05
FUEL STACKING
Fuel cell stacking is the process of
combining multiple individual fuel
cells to form a fuel cell stack,
which generates higher power
output
Components of a Fuel Cell Stack
Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA)
Bipolar Plates
End Plates
Gaskets and Seals
Current Collectors
06 Cooling Systems
07
TYPES OF FUEL CELLS
(BY ELECTROLYTE)
1. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
(PEMFC): Low temperature, compact,
used in vehicles.
2. Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC): High efficiency,
used in aerospace.
3. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC):
Commercial applications, CO₂ tolerant.
4. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC):
Portable electronics, low efficiency.
5. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC): High
temperature, distributed power
generation.
6. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC):
08 High temperature, flexible fuels.
ADVANTAGES OF
FUEL CELLS
Clean energy source
(water as by-product).
High efficiency compared
to traditional combustion.
Versatile applications in
various industries.
Reduced dependence on
fossil fuels.
09
CHALLENGES OF
FUEL CELLS
High Cost: Platinum catalysts and
material expenses.
Hydrogen Storage Issues:
Bulkiness and safety concerns.
Efficiency Drops: Losses due to
activation, ohmic, and
concentration resistance.
Infrastructure: Limited hydrogen
production and distribution
10 facilities.
HYDROGEN
PRODUCTION IN CELLS
Methods:
Natural Gas Reforming: Common but
produces CO₂.
Electrolysis of Water: Using electricity
from grid/renewables.
Coal Gasification: High emissions, limited
use.
Renewable Energy Sources: Wind, solar,
biomass.
Challenges:
Low efficiency of renewable-to-hydrogen
processes.
Costs of electrolysis and renewable
11
energy infrastructure.
APPLICATIONS OF
FUEL CELLS
Transportation: Hydrogen-
powered vehicles, buses, and
trains.
Stationary Power: Backup power,
microgrids, and cogeneration in
buildings.
Portable Electronics: Laptops and
phones using DMFCs.
Industrial: Forklifts, cranes, and
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other machinery.
FUTURE OF FUELL CELLS
AND HYDROGEN ECONOMY
Vision:
Transitioning to a hydrogen-powered
society.
Benefits:
Lower dependence on fossil fuels.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Integration with renewable energy
sources.
Challenges:
Developing cost-effective technology.
Building hydrogen infrastructure
13 (production, storage, distribution).
Policy and public acceptance.
CONCLUSION
Fuel cells offer a clean, efficient,
and versatile energy solution.
Challenges exist but can be
overcome with technological
advancements and global
collaboration.
Hydrogen as a key enabler of
renewable energy integration and
sustainability.
14
THANK YOU
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