|
|
NOVA scienceNOW: Fuel Cells
|
|
|
|
Program Overview
|
|
|
Researchers
explain how hydrogen fuel cells work. They consider the challenges of using
hydrogen as a fuel source and discuss where hydrogen might work best as a fuel.
This NOVA scienceNOW segment:
defines a fuel cell as a kind of battery that uses hydrogen and oxygen to
generate electricity, producing water as a byproduct. describes how fuel cells work—hydrogen and oxygen are on opposite
sides of a membrane. When hydrogen crosses the membrane to bond with the
oxygen, the membrane strips off its electron. These electrons travel through a
circuit, producing an electrical current. examines several ways of obtaining hydrogen gas, such as using
photosynthesis and lasers, and notes that, on Earth, hydrogen is found
chemically bonded with other atoms; thus an energy-intensive step is required
for splitting off the hydrogen. observes that hydrogen production requires large, technically advanced
facilities and that producing large amounts of hydrogen on-site, such as in a
factory or apartment complex, may be the most feasible and cost-effective way
of using fuel cells on a widespread basis. showcases a fuel-cell car and examines the growing interest in such
vehicles. discusses the challenge of making hydrogen a convenient fuel for
cars—it will require a complex infrastructure to produce, transport, and
distribute hydrogen efficiently and to dispense it to individual cars safely
and conveniently. concludes with the assertion that it will take at least 20 years to learn
how to utilize hydrogen as a widespread fuel source.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program is taped off the air.
|
|
