Benefits of the Fuel Cell
Minimizes our reliance on petroleum products for energy.
Petroleum, natural gas, and coal are the three main types of fossil fuels that all have their drawbacks. Petroleum is in limited supply, natural gas is hard to transport, and coal is very damaging to the environment. Fuel cells provide an inexpensive source of energy in the form of electricity. They can ultimately satisfy our demand for energy without relying our rapidly decreasing supply of fossil fuels.
Less greenhouse gas emissions.
Most fuel cells emit oxygen and water as their only byproducts where as automoblies emit an extraordinary amount of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide contributes to the Greenhouse Effect and global warming. Although some fuel cells do emit carbon dioxide, it is in comparitively small amounts.
More efficient source on energy.
Currently the most efficient internal combustion engines are about 25 to 30% efficient. The most efficient power plants are only about 33 to 35% efficient. The popular methanol fuel cell and phosphoric acid fuel cell have efficiencies of about 40%. However, when used in a cogeneration system (where the generated waste heat is reused), the phosphoric acid fuel cell has an efficiency of 85%. Other fuel cells have efficiencies ranging from 40 to 90%. In essence, all fuel cells are more efficient than automobiles and power plants.
No degradation.
Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. As long as fuel is supplied, it will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat.