2006-07-01 06:44:35 · 5 answers · asked by Bill C 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Depends on what you mean. By "in your house" if you mean can you build a simple fuel cell safely to demonstrate the technology, then the answer is yes. If you mean can you build one to run your entire house from, the answer is no unless your definition of inexpensive is very different from mine.
A few things to read:
http://www.fuelcells.com/FuelCellKit/
http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/solar/fuelcell.htm
http://www.goodideacreative.com/fuel_cell.html
2006-07-01 08:13:34 · answer #1 · answered by wd5gnr 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess the first step would be to learn how it's done. You can buy a kit and get hands on experience with what all is needed. Check this site that is about to sell 100W Generator that runs on Hydrogen. Details:
Site: Hydrogen Fuel Cell: http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/index.htm
Educational Kits:
http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/education.htm
Hydrogen Electric Generator:
http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/commercial.htm
By the way, I am in no way affilated with this website or its products.
2006-07-01 09:34:47 · answer #2 · answered by Tazz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to supply enough energy to power your house, the answer is no. A hydrogen fuel cell uses a special polymer membrane and precious metal catalyst to convert the hydrogen with oxygen to water and in the process releasing useable energy. The fuel cell alone is expensive and the safety requirements for handling large amounts of hydrogen are also expensive.
If you had cheap hydrogen available, you would do better to burn it in modified gas water heater or furnace to heat your water and home.
2006-07-01 17:34:11 · answer #3 · answered by richard Alvarado 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably is, but I would imagine that is beyond the technology we currently possess. If science continues on its course I am sure that there will be an option like this in the future. Then no more electric bills!
2006-07-01 07:09:21 · answer #4 · answered by vendredi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. Why not just use the electricity directly? Hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water and... ...guess what? That involves electricity.
2006-07-01 11:55:13 · answer #5 · answered by Chx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋