ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: sajib_mostofa on November 09, 2010, 12:20:49 am

Title: Fuel cells
Post by: sajib_mostofa on November 09, 2010, 12:20:49 am

What are some advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells?

Title: Re: Fuel cells
Post by: Martoman on November 09, 2010, 12:23:12 am

advantages -> efficient
                    portable
                    can be used in small spaces (rockets)

disadvantages
               costly reactants and electrodes
               avaliability of reactants (as you need a constant supply)
               Electrodes can be poisoned as they act as catalysts and will need to be
               replaced if that happens which costs mulah

Title: Re: Fuel cells
Post by: 98.40_for_sure on November 09, 2010, 12:23:35 am

Adv:
- continuous supply of reactants, does not require starting and stopping the cell to provide additional reactants, so reduces costs and increases efficiency
- products are water, so none of that pollution shit

Disadv:
- initial costs can be high depending on electrodes, electrolytes etc
- some reactants are costly and rare to find/manufacture

Title: Re: Fuel cells
Post by: sajib_mostofa on November 09, 2010, 12:27:08 am

Could another advantage also be that you can use a range of fuels and electrolytes?

Title: Re: Fuel cells
Post by: Martoman on November 09, 2010, 12:33:13 am

you can combust a range of fuels so no

Title: Re: Fuel cells
Post by: sajib_mostofa on November 09, 2010, 12:38:53 am

ok cheers