Key Points
- Batteries and fuel cells differ in how they produce energy, with batteries storing chemical energy and fuel cells converting fuel to energy.
- Batteries tend to be more energy-efficient than fuel cells, with battery-powered EVs having 70-90% efficiency rates compared to fuel cells’ 25-35%.
- Both batteries and fuel cells have environmental impacts, but fuel cells have less harmful components and can be produced using renewable energy sources.
- Safety concerns include the flammability and explosiveness of hydrogen used in fuel cells, and the potential for thermal runaway in batteries.
- Batteries require recharging with electrical input, while fuel cells need to be refueled with appropriate fuel like hydrogen gas.
If you are looking for an electrical power source but are unfamiliar with the difference between batteries and fuel cells, we are here to help.
Batteries and fuel cells can supply power, but they do so differently. Critical differences exist in fuel cells’ and batteries’ inner capabilities and construction, mainly because batteries deliver electrical energy previously stored in chemical energy. Fuel cells produce energy by converting fuel, such as hydrogen, to energy. Both galvanic cells have advantages and disadvantages, which can influence your pick and will be highlighted in the article.
Read on to learn how batteries and fuel cells compare and differ.
Batteries vs. Fuel Cells: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Batteries | Fuel Cells | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A cell that contains all the reactants to produce energy | A cell requires a constant external supply of one or more reactants to deliver energy |
| Energy Storage | They store energy in the form of chemical energy | They cannot store energy |
| Cost | Typically costs less than fuel cells | Typically costs more than batteries |
| Application | Typically used in small devices and electric vehicles | Often used in stationary applications, larger vehicles, and aerospace technology |
| Efficiency | Higher efficiency compared to fuel cells | Lower efficiency compared to batteries |
| Life span | Shorter lifespan, typically a few years, due to the degradation of active materials | Lasts longer, provided there is an available fuel source |
| Rechargeability | Longer recharge time, usually within hours | Shorter refueling time, typically several minutes |
| Environmental Impact | Some batteries may contain toxic and harmful chemicals that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. | Less environmental impact as they may use fossil fuels in the production of hydrogen |
| Energy Density | Lower energy density compared to fuel cells | Higher energy density compared to batteries |
| Common Examples | Lithium batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Battery | Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell |
- 12V 100Ah
- 3% discharge rate
- 2,000A Max Discharge Current
- Safe charge
- Most home appliances for RV, camping, cabin, marine, and off-grid system
- Maintenance Free
- 15 gallon
- 57L universal black-coated aluminum fuel cell
- Tank & level sender
- Universal application to hot rod/street racing/track cars/truck/SUVs
- Easy to install and maintain
- Includes a fuel tank with an oil level sensor and replaceable anti-slosh foam in the tank
- Dual -10 Outlets, Dual -10 Vent Outlets (Top Of Cell)
Batteries vs. Fuel Cells: What’s the Difference?
There are plenty of differences between batteries and fuel cells. Let’s explore them below so you know which one fits your needs best.
Energy Efficiency
You want to purchase a power supply that you will get the most out of. While no energy source is 100% efficient, since some energy is lost when transformed into another form, batteries tend to be more energy-efficient than fuel cells. Regardless, they are both better for generating electrical energy than other sources, such as gasoline.
Batteries experience sustainably less energy loss than their contender. For perspective, the battery-powered EV has about 70-90% efficiency rates compared to the fuel cells’ 25-35%. The energy lost as heat during the conversion can be recovered and utilized in other ways, such as to reheat the meals served to passengers on flights or to provide heat in the interior of an electric vehicle. However, energy efficiency can decrease over time due to chemical degradation, repeated charge and discharge cycles, and internal resistance.
Fuel cells, on the other hand, convert about 60% of their energy to electrical energy. It is worth noting that the energy efficiency of these power sources will vary depending on fuel cell technology, operating conditions, and battery chemistry. For instance, fuel cells can be as efficient as batteries during cold weather because batteries use up 40% of the electrical energy for heating.
Environmental Impact
Recently, most power sources, batteries and fuel cells included, are geared towards innovative technology to help reduce the carbon footprint. However efficient they are in the course, they are not entirely sustainable. Both power sources require the extraction of raw materials such as lithium and nickel for batteries and hydrogen for fuel cells. The mining of batteries’ raw materials has a significant negative environmental impact compared to the extraction of hydrogen, which is counterproductive. On the other hand, hydrogen used in fuel cells can be produced through various methods, including water electrolysis using renewable energy sources with a significantly lower environmental impact.
Additionally, some batteries contain toxic components such as lead that can pose health and environmental risks if not properly handled during production, use, and disposal. In contrast, fuel cells contain fewer harmful components as hydrogen’s only by-product is water vapor, which is less harmful to the environment. Moreover, a fuel cell directly converts an energy source into electricity via a chemical process rather than in several phases. This enables a fuel cell to stay efficient, quiet, and environmentally friendly. Batteries also have a shorter lifespan meaning that more are manufactured and, if not recycled, can add to the impact batteries have on the environment.
Mechanism
The mechanism these power sources use may not necessarily influence your choice, but it is worth looking at. Right off the bat, batteries and fuel cells differ in how they produce energy. Batteries store chemical energy that can be converted to electrical energy. Therefore, the energy contained in a battery is either from the factory it was made or from charging the battery. Fuel cells, on the other hand, require an external supply of one or two reactants to produce electricity. Simply put, a fuel cell takes an electricity source such as gasoline and converts it to electrical energy.
©asharkyu/Shutterstock.com
Safety Issues
Batteries and fuel cells are not without drawbacks, which include safety concerns. Fuel cells, for instance, use hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels that are highly flammable and explosive. Because of the nature hydrogen is stored in, if a hydrogen-powered vehicle gets into an accident, there is likely to be a huge explosion.
Thermal runaway is a common safety hazard with batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. It occurs when a lithium-ion battery enters a continuous self-heating state. This can happen under particular conditions, such as overcharging, which can lead to a rapid release of energy and potentially cause an explosion or a fire. It’s also worth noting that batteries contain toxic components that pose health and environmental risks if improperly handled.
Recharging
When looking for a reliable power supply source, it helps to go with one that can easily be replenished. To recharge batteries, you require electrical input. The battery is connected to a power source such as a charging station, and the current is applied to reverse the chemical reaction that results in the discharged electrical energy. Conversely, fuel cells must be refueled using appropriate fuel, such as hydrogen gas. Once the fuel is replaced, the cell can continue generating electricity.
Additionally, batteries take more time to recharge than fuel cells, typically several minutes to an hour. For larger batteries, the charging time is much longer. On the contrary, fuel cells must be filled with fuel, such as hydrogen gas, which takes a few minutes. This aspect makes fuel cells ideal for commercial vehicles.
Batteries vs. Fuel Cells: 6 Must-Know Facts
- Fuel cells have lower environmental and health impacts than batteries as they contain fewer toxic components. The extraction of fuels such as hydrogen can be done using sustainable methods such as water electrolysis.
- Batteries take more time to recharge, typically hours, and require an electrical input to reverse the chemical reaction during discharge. Conversely, fuel cells only take a few minutes to refuel with appropriate fuel.
- Batteries may currently top fuel cells regarding efficiency with a battery-powered EV efficiency rate of 70-90% compared to the 25-35% efficiency managed by a fuel cell-powered EV.
- Both technologies pose safety risks. Batteries can become too hot and ignite spontaneously while fuel cells are highly combustible and explosive.
- Batteries store all the necessary reactants to produce electricity through a chemical reaction. Fuel cells, on the other hand, require a constant external reactant supply to produce electricity.
- Common battery types include lithium-ion, button battery, lead-acid, and alkaline batteries while common fuel cells include hydrogen-oxygen cells.
- 22.6 kilograms weight
- 8 x 12 x 12 inches
- Above ground style
- Runs various Basement Watchdog sump pump systems intermittently for days
- No need to add battery fluid or distilled water
- 15 gallon
- 57L universal black-coated aluminum fuel cell
- Tank & level sender
- Universal application to hot rod/street racing/track cars/truck/SUVs
- Easy to install and maintain
- Includes a fuel tank with an oil level sensor and replaceable anti-slosh foam in the tank
- Dual -10 Outlets, Dual -10 Vent Outlets (Top Of Cell)
Batteries vs. Fuel Cells: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Batteries and fuel cells are geared towards sustainability and are great sources of electrical energy today. Each has advantages and drawbacks that could make you prefer it.
Batteries are more energy-efficient than fuel cells as less energy is lost during transformation. However, in the case of heavy-duty, long-range trucks, fuel cells have an edge over batteries because the weight comes into play. Hydrogen commonly used in fuel cells has greater energy density, meaning a fuel-pushed vehicle weighs much less.
Additionally, fuel cells have less environmental impact compared to batteries. Batteries contain harmful components that, when disposed of wrongly, can soak into the soil and contaminate groundwater, posing health risks. Mining metals necessary for batteries also harm the environment because they use a lot of water and land space.
Given their respective advantages and disadvantages, there is no clear winner. At the end of the day, it’s all about your preferences. Batteries are preferable if you want a cheap and efficient power supply. However, consider fuel cells for a dependable and long-lasting power source.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Smile Fight/Shutterstock.com.
