In a typical fuel cell, gaseous fuels are fed continuously to the anode (negative electrode), while an oxidant (oxygen from the air) is fed continuously to the cathode (positive electrode). Electrochemical reactions take place at the electrodes to produce an electric current.

The advantages of fuel cell systems are listed next:

•Fuel cells have the potential for a high operating efficiency that is not a strong function of system size.
•Fuel cells have a highly scalable design.
•Numerous types of potential fuel sources are available.
•Fuel cells produce zero or near-zero greenhouse emissions.
•Fuel cells have no moving parts (other than pumps or compressors in some fuel cell plant subsystems). This provides for stealthy, vibration-free, highly reliable operation.
•Fuel cells provide nearly instantaneous recharge capability when compared to batteries.

Limitations common to all fuel cell systems include the following:

•Cost-effective, mass produced pure hydrogen storage and delivery technology.
•If pure fuel is not used, fuel reformation technology needs to be taken into account.
•If fuels other than pure hydrogen are used, then fuel cell performance gradually decreases over time due to catalyst degradation and electrolyte poisoning.

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