Hydrogen fuel cell reactor generates electrical energy by converting the chemical energy stored in hydrogen gas into electrical energy through an electrochemical process. The fuel cell reactor consists of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.
The hydrogen gas is fed into the anode side of the fuel cell reactor, where it reacts with a platinum-based catalyst to produce protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane to reach the cathode side, while the electrons are forced to flow through an external circuit to reach the cathode. This flow of electrons generates electrical current that can be used to power electrical devices.
At the cathode side, oxygen gas is fed into the fuel cell reactor, and it reacts with the protons and electrons to form water and heat. The water vapor and heat are the only by-products of the reaction, making the fuel cell reactor a clean and efficient energy source.
The key to the fuel cell reactor's operation is the electrolyte membrane, which allows only positively charged protons to pass through while blocking the negatively charged electrons. This membrane separates the anode and cathode, preventing them from coming into contact and shorting out the fuel cell reactor.
Overall, a hydrogen fuel cell reactor is a reliable and efficient energy source that operates through an electrochemical process, with a modular and scalable design that makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.