Beginning of the XXI century considering the environment as one of the world's major problems.And the first thing that should be addressed in the current environment, it is the search and use of alternative energy sources.They are able to prevent the pollution of our environment, and completely abandon the continuously rising in price of fuel based on hydrocarbon.
Already found use energy sources such as solar cells and wind installations.Unfortunately, their disadvantage is the dependence of the weather and the season and time of day.For this reason, their use in aerospace, aviation and automotive industries being phased out, and for stationary use, their parts with secondary sources of supply - batteries.
However, the best solution is a fuel cell, since it does not require constant power charging.This device is capable of processing and transformation of various types of fuel (gasoline, alcohol, hydrogen, and others.) Directly into electrical energy.
fuel cell works as follows: externally supplied fuel is oxidized by oxygen, and released at the same time energy is converted into electricity.This principle of operation provides a virtually eternal.
Since the end of the nineteenth century, scientists studied the fuel cell itself, and constantly develop new modifications.So, today, depending on the operating conditions, there are alkaline or alkaline (AFC), direct borogidratnye (DBFC), electro-galvanizing (EGFC), direct methanol (DMFC), zinc-air (ZAFC), microbial (MFC),also known models formic acid (DFAFC) and metal hydrides (MHFC).
One of the most promising is considered a hydrogen fuel cell.The use of hydrogen power plants accompanied by a significant release of energy, and emissions of such a device - it is pure steam or drinking water, who do not carry any threat to the environment.
successful test of the fuel cell of this type in spaceships lately aroused considerable interest among manufacturers of electronics and various equipment.Thus, the company PolyFuel introduced a miniature fuel cell hydrogen fuel cell for laptops.But too high cost and complexity of such a device in his smooth filling limits commercialization and widespread.Also, Honda has more than 10 years produces automotive fuel cells.However, the sale of this type of transport does not arrive, but only in the official use of the company's employees.Cars are under the supervision of engineers.
Many wonder how and whether it is possible to assemble a fuel cell with his hands.After all, a significant advantage of home-made device is a small investment, in contrast to the industrial model.For the scale model will need 30 cm platinum coated nickel wire, a small piece of plastic or wood, clip for a 9-volt battery, and the battery itself, transparent adhesive tape, glass of water and a voltmeter.This device allows you to see and understand the work, but to generate electricity for the car, of course, did not happen.
