How it functions [ Return towards  The fuel cell  ]

A fuel cell is an assembly of several cells in series or parallel cells in a stack, making it possible to obtain different voltages and powers.

Each stack is made up of “elementary cells” that contain a membrane covered with a catalyst, which only lets H⁺ protons through. This polymer membrane is inserted between two metal conducting plates. This technology is called PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane). At the terminals of each cell, the voltage is on the order of 0.6 volts. The intensity of the current produced ranges from 0.6 to 0.8 amperes per cm² of membrane.

The hydrogen molecule* reaches the catalyst and gives birth to two protons and two electrons. The protons cross the membrane and go to the cell’s other pole. The electrons, which cannot get through this barrier, go into the electric circuit. Simultaneously, from the other side of the membrane upon contact with a new catalyst, the protons react with the oxygen and the circuit’s electrons to form water, the cell’s only emission.

* The gaseous hydrogen molecule H₂ is composed of two atoms. Each atom contains a positive particle, an H⁺ proton, around which an electron gravitates: this is the simplest atom in the world.