THE BALLARD FUEL CELL
The Ballard fuel cell is a power generating device which combines hydrogen
(which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, petroleum) and oxygen
without the use of combustion in order to generate electricity. Since fuel
cells operate very quietly and efficiently and their only emissions are pure
water and heat they are expected to be the future of power generating machines.
The PEM fuel cell is made of two plates with a plastic membrane coated with a
catalyst in the middle. Hydrogen is then fed through the channels on one side
of the plates and oxygen is fed through the other side. The hydrogen and oxygen
atoms are drawn toward each other. Only one part of the hydrogen atom – the
proton – can pass through the membrane. The electron has to take the long way
around through an external circuit. This creates electricity. The oxygen side
attracts protons and electrons that have traveled through the external circuit.
This is where the byproducts water and heat are formed. Each fuel cell operates
continuously as long as hydrogen is supplied. Single cells are combined to
produce the required amount of power.
PEM fuel cells operate at around 90 degrees Celsius and give off 90 degrees
Celsius of heat, which is a fairly low temperature. This is much better than
high temperature combustion engines, which operate at about 2500 degrees
Celsius and give off 125 degrees Celsius of heat. This means the Ballard fuel
cell can react quickly to load changes and makes it ideal for motor vehicles.
Which is why Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen Yamaha, Daimler Chrysler and Ford have
commercialized the use of these cells.
The cities of Vancouver and Chicago are currently testing Ballard’s fuel cell
transit buses. They are seeing the maintenance requirements of the pollution
free buses as well as the public reaction to the program. By 2002 there will be
33 of these buses publicly available in 11 cities in Australia and Europe and
by 2004 DaimlerChrysler and Ford expect to start producing prototype vehicles
using the Ballard Fuel Cell.
Not only is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells used in
transportation, but they are used in electricity generation and portable power
products too. This technology is allowing automobile and electrical equipment
and portable power product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean
products.
Resources
www.ballard.com
www.enn.com
www.ttcorp.com/nha
www.yahoo.com/business