Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
might be used in remote areas where it is difi cult to deliver
electricity over power lines.
Fuel cells can also be used for other purposes. Think about
the energy used by a car or other transportation vehicles. Fuel
cells could be an excellent source of electrical energy for the cars
and buses of the future. In fact, some researchers think that if
hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles become common, they will
cost less than half of what gasoline powered-vehicles cost today.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will also be easier to take care of
because there will be fewer parts to repair or replace.
As of 2009, there were only a few hundred hydrogen-fueled
vehicles in the United States. (In contrast, there were many
more alternative-fueled vehicles of other types.) Very few of the
u
Home-Made
Fuel Cells
Some people are buying kits that enable them to make their
own electricity using one or more fuel cells. Most of the kits
include a small solar panel that converts the Sun's energy
into electricity. The electricity is used to power a device that
makes hydrogen gas, such as a machine that splits water into
hydrogen and oxygen gases. The gases are stored in small
containers that are then used in a fuel cell to make even more
electricity. People use this electricity to power things such
as emergency fl ashlights, cell phones, and radios. Although
it sounds complicated, making electricity with fuel cell kits is
actually quite easy and can be a lot of fun.
