how do hydrogen fuel cells compare to solar or wind energy as an alternative energy source?

Answer 1

Solar and wind energy are alternative sources of energy, whereas hydrogen fuel cells are not exactly a source of energy at all, unless you have pure hydrogen. You see, hydrogen is a fuel, just like gasoline, except with no emissions other than water. The problem is that hydrogen is not abundant on earth, and must be derived from water. It takes just as much energy to do this as the hydrogen produces when used as fuel, so it is not really a source of energy, but rather a mode of transporting energy. Any source of energy, however, may be used to get hydrogen from water, including solar and wind.

Answer 2

You have to have a way to make and store the hydrogen for a fuelcell. It is not the best way to power a home or a business.

Fuelcells are not the best way to power your car from hydrogen. It is just the only way the OIL MONEY knows how to keep their fingers in the pie.

A car engine can run from hydrogen as they are today. You can make hydrogen just simply by putting two pieces of metal in a jar of water and puttting a little amperages on it and mix in some salt.

The current problem is the water will rust the engine. But the auto builters know how to make the engines rust proof.. But how can the big OIL MONEY proffit if you can scoop up water for free?

Fuel Cells do not compaire to solar or wind in no way at all. You have to have power to make hydrogen so may as well cut out the middle man and make it as you need it your self.

Wow.. Why make the hydrogen for anything but your car? If you have to have power from solar or wind to make the hydrogen why bother with it and just power your home from solar or wind? Use the alumium and salt pill in your gas tank to make hydrogen to run your car from.

Humm no need so far for fuelcells or nukes..

Answer 3

They serve different functions as do solar or wind energy. The solar and wind energy is more suited to mass consumption, like that provided by an utility. The fuel cells are for smaller, personalized applications.

Answer 4

Hydrogen is considerably more abundant than solar and wind energy, is more efficient in the mechanisms that they are used in, AND the byproduct of hydrogen (in a hydrogen fuel cell car, for example) is water, which doesn't hurt the environment.

Check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell#Hydrogen_transportation_and_refueling

Answer 5

hydrogen fuel cells are not an energy source at all. they are potentially useful for energy *storage* but one must still generate the hydrogen somehow, and that requires energy.

Answer 6

Hydrogen cells are portable while the others are better suited for turbine generating units in a stationary location to create power for groups of people.