Oil and natural gas are undergoing interesting changes in their usage and productivity. There are many innovations in the industry that occur almost daily. One of those advances is in the area of the natural gas fuel cell.
Natural gas fuel cells utilize electrochemical reactions to generate power instead of the older fossil fuel combustion method that has been the standard for so long. These fuel cells allow for the creation of electrical current by pumping a stream of gas, usually hydrogen, and oxidants across electrodes. These electrodes are separated by an electrolyte.
This method allows the generation of electricity within the burning of fuel or the use of heat, which is normally the case. When pure hydrogen and water are used within the cell as a fuel source, the only by-products are heat, water and electricity.
These new fuel cells lead to many useful benefits over current technology.
Generate Clean Electricity
The primary waste materials released from the fuel cell power generation method are water, heat and electrical current. Compared to the original method of fossil fuel combustion, this is practically a non-existent waste issue. In theory, this would be the only waste material given off from the use of pure oxygen and pure hydrogen.
However, it should be noted that in practice there are usually trace levels of carbon dioxide and various types of sulfur. The carbon dioxide is released in tiny increments with every usage and is readily captured for use in other areas of the oil and gas industry. The sulfur can often be separated in some fashion to be used as well.
Creation, Delivery and Sizing
These fuel cells can be made in any number of sizes, but the most exciting ones are the small portable variety. These can be used in homes, businesses and even for transportation. Wherever there is electricity needed, this technology can provide it in a clean, effective manner that actually gives something back to the environment while making civilization continue on into the technologically aligned future.
Reliability
These fuel cells have no moving parts. They are capable of working for several thousand hours with no ill effects. They generate no distinguishable noise and do not create power surges. Whenever there is a need for long-lasting electrical power without the attendant electrical generation hassles of the past, a simple plug-and-use method is involved.
Effectiveness
The method utilized by these natural gas fuel cells is incredibly effective compared to the dated methods used in previous generations. With the current technology in place it requires less fuel to generate equal or greater power in comparison.
There is a current belief, postulated by the Natural Energy Technology Laboratory, which currently estimates a capacity to generate 1 to 20 megawatts of power at a rate of 70 % efficiency when combined with natural gas turbines.
This is a higher level of power and efficiency compared to the older, polluting forms of this technology.
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