The Introduction of Hydrogen as a Major Fuel Source

Fuel Cells, the stirrings of a new and brilliant source of energy. They are an efficient, non-polluting source of energy that doesn't require recharging, and the only thing that is keeping them off the market is the low price of gas. Fuel Cells are powered by hydrogen (see fuel cells), or hydrogen compounds as the case may be, and do take some money for their up keep. But these new wonder energy producers are already being used in places where large amounts of current are needed, such as hospitals, or areas in which accessing power is exceptionally expensive. Right now there is only one commercial manufacturer of fuel cells, the ONSI Corporation, although some car companies and other organizations have begun to experiment with fuel cells and their potential. Toyota and Daimler-Benz, for example, have been experimenting with PEM (proton-exchange membrane) as a potential source of fuel for their cars. Companies are generally unwilling to compress hydrogen to supply the cells because of the tendency of hydrogen to combust. The memory of the HINDENBURG doesn't help. New technologies are being explored such as storing hydrogen in hydrides, compounds that can store hydrogen in a safe yet heavy form. Fuel Cells still have tough competition from low gas prices, but in places where electricity supplies are hard to reach fuel cells are the new power source, and they will soon be spreading all over the world.

Fuel Cell Car:

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