No, fuel cells are not rechargeable. They produce electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.
Fuel cells, as explained in "How Fuel Cells Work", function similarly to batteries but possess a crucial difference: they don't run down or require recharging.
How Fuel Cells Differ From Batteries
| Feature | Fuel Cell | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable | No | Yes (for rechargeable batteries) |
| Fuel Supply | Requires continuous fuel supply (e.g., hydrogen) | Does not require external fuel supply; energy stored internally. |
| Operation | Produces electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. | Operates until stored chemical energy is depleted. |
| Components | Anode, cathode, and electrolyte. | Anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separators. |
Understanding Fuel Cell Operation
A fuel cell consists of two electrodes:
- Anode (Negative Electrode): Where oxidation of the fuel occurs.
- Cathode (Positive Electrode): Where reduction of the oxidizing agent occurs.
- Electrolyte: A substance between the anode and cathode that allows ions to move between the two electrodes.
Unlike batteries, which store a limited amount of energy, fuel cells convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity, providing a continuous power source as long as fuel is available.
