Fuel cells

Obtaining energy from fuel cells has advanced more than solar energy. It enables energy storage.

What does it consist of?

Electricity is obtained through the same mechanism as traditional batteries. The difference lies on the elements of reaction: a simple cartridge of hydrogen and oxygen obtained from the air is all that is required to create electricity.

They use hydrogen (or gases containing the same) and oxygen. As regards prototypes, the battery has a hydrogen or methanol cartridge and obtains oxygen directly from the air. Contact between them generates water, heat and electricity; it is like electrolysis, but in reverse.

These batteries only need a recharge time of two to three seconds, and are lighter to carry and more ecological.

Advantages

The main characteristics of fuel cells, such as: duration of approximately one month as from the recharge time, non-presence of polluting waste and a constant voltage whatever the state of the load, render fuel cells adequate for mobile devices.

When will they be available?

It is expected that these batteries will be available in the market three to five years, for use in mobile phones, laptops, sound systems and similar applications.