You may have heard about fuel cells in the news. Many people hope they will provide one answer to the world’s energy problems.
A fuel cell is a type of battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. That electricity can then be converted into mechanical energy and used to power such things as automobiles. Unlike ordinary batteries, fuel cells do not need to be recharged. However, they do need fuel. Many of the fuel cells being experimented with today require hydrogen as their fuel. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is an unlimited resource. It is the simplest element and the most plentiful gas in the universe.
Fuel cells have two other important advantages. Their only emission is clean water. This means they do not pollute the atmosphere the way internal combustion engines do. They are also more energy efficient than internal combustion engines. Most of the energy produced by an internal combustion engine is lost as waste heat.
Unfortunately, fuel cells have several disadvantages. Hydrogen is volatile—that means it can explode under certain conditions. Fuel cells are also very expensive to manufacture right now. However, car manufacturers estimate that fuel-cell cars would ultimately be no more expensive to make than those that run on gasoline.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate the potential of fuel cells. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- Where does the hydrogen used for fuel cells come from?
- What is the name of the device used to extract hydrogen from other substances?
- How does a pound of hydrogen compare to a pound of gasoline in terms of energy content?
- How does hydrogen compare to gasoline in terms of safety during storage and distribution?
- How do fuel cells compare to internal combustion engines in terms of energy efficiency?
- What will fuel cells most likely be used for in the near future?
- When was the first fuel cell built, and who was its inventor?
- When were fuel cells first used in the U.S. and for what purpose?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Many different manufacturers are doing research on fuel cells. Select a major manufacturer and research any work that company is doing on fuel cells. Report your findings to the class.
- Do some research to create a model of a fuel cell. Give a presentation to the class on how it works.
- Research and write an article for your school newspaper on fuel cell safety. Back up your ideas with facts and figures. Cite your sources.
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