Introduction
Energy is essential to the world. It ensures smooth execution of industrial and domestic activities. However, its availability is uncertain since most sources face extinction. These include fossil fuels and hydropower, among others. Fossil fuel sources face depletion due to exhaustion. On the other hand, global warming has led to unpredictable weather that has dried most water catchment areas.
This has affected reliability of hydropower. In addition, other sources of energy like nuclear plants have caused calamities in areas such as Japan and Russia, among others. Therefore, to minimize risks of hazards from nuclear power plants and to reduce depletion of energy sources, major stakeholders in the energy sector have turned to alternative sources.
These include fuel cell energy, solar energy and wind energy, among others. This paper will explore fuel cell energy and its implication on the future of the world (Chevron Corporation, 2013).
Fuel Cell
Fuel cell can be described as a device (electrochemical) that converts chemical energy into electrical. It does this by combining hydrogen (in some cases hydrocarbon) fuel with oxygen (usually from air) to produce electricity. Other products of this reaction are usually water and heat. This reaction does not involve conventional combustion reaction and it therefore produces (DC) direct current.
This device is made by sandwiching an electrolyte member between oxidant electrodes and fuel. The kinds of fuel utilized are sometimes biogas or fossil fuels. The oxidant utilized in this process is usually air. The process involves oxidizing of fuel at the anode from which electrons are released to the cathode.
Electron move through an external circuit. When these electrons meet the fuel (in this case hydrogen), they push charged ions through the electrolyte. These ions then move through the conducting electrolyte to complete the circuit.
This process is simple and it does not require complex parts as observed in other methods. Moreover, it has high efficiency of conversion, which enables it to produce both power and heat (CHP). It has negligible emissions to the environment and low-impact characteristics. It is therefore desirable in most applications as it is environment friendly.
It is also necessary to note that fuel cell plants can utilize other fuel sources like coal gas, propane, municipal gas, industrial gas and natural gas. This source of energy is cheap and convenient for both domestic and industrial use. it provides efficiency, flexibility and CHP, which is essential for sustainable development (FuelCell Energy, Inc., 2013).
Future of the world
The world’s future is bent on realizing credible and reliable sources of energy. The full implementation of fuel cell power plants would help in realizing these objectives. Fuel cell energy is environmental friend; this puts it on course as a credible alternative source of energy. Moreover, the fact that it produces both power and heat would be advantageous to industries that implement its use worldwide.
Furthermore, it has various alternative sources of fuel such as propane and natural gas, among others. This would help in management of fossil fuels for a prolonged future of the world. Fuel cell technology is timely and convenient of a world that is facing numerous problems associated with the environment.
Moreover, use of energy from fossil fuels have increased depletion of ozone layer thereby contributing to global warming. Use of fuel cell technology would reduce overreliance on fossil fuels and hence reduce green gas emissions that deplete the ozone layer.
Fuel cell energy presents a future to the world. In fact, its ability to be utilized for both domestic and industrial purposes inclines it for potential growth. Moreover, the massive costs incurred in generating electricity from other sources would be greatly reduced. This would allow for focus on other sectors of growth to develop the world’s economy.
Fuel cell technology provides the most viable option for industries to utilize fuel efficiently. This would also minimize depletion of fossil fuel sources as the sector majors on fuel cell energy. It is also necessary to note that combining fuel cell technology with other alternative sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power would be beneficial to the future of the world. This would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a drastic manner. The world would have a positive future with fuel cell energy.
Conclusion
The world is facing unpredictable future due to exploitation of its nonrenewable energy sources. This has caused major stakeholders to explore alternative sources. These include fuel cell energy, nuclear power, solar power, wind power and geothermal power, among others. However, among these sources, fuel cell energy provides the best source of energy for the world in terms of risk, reliability, efficiency and cost.
For instance, while solar energy is relatively cheap, it has low efficiency and reliability. On the other hand, geothermal power is efficient but very expensive. This leaves fuel cell as the best source of energy. The world would therefore have a bright future if fuel cell power plants were to be implemented fully (Cartlidge, 2003, p. 1).
References
Cartlidge, E. (2003). Fuel cells: environmental friend or foe? Web.
Chevron Corporation (2013). Fuel Cells: Providing Clean, Reliable Power. Web.
FuelCell Energy, Inc. (2013). Fuel cell technology. Web.