fuel cell

American  

noun

1. a device that produces a continuous electric current directly from the oxidation of a fuel, as that of hydrogen by oxygen.

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fuel cell British  

noun

1. a cell in which the energy produced by oxidation of a fuel is converted directly into electrical energy

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fuel cell Scientific  

1. A device that produces electricity by combining a fuel, usually hydrogen, with oxygen. In this reaction, electrons are freed from the hydrogen in the fuel cell by a catalyst, and gain energy from the chemical reaction binding hydrogen and oxygen; this provides a source for electric current. The exhaust of hydrogen fuel cells consists simply of water. Fuel cells are currently used in spacecraft, and increasingly in ground transportation, with potential use everywhere electricity is required.

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fuel cell Cultural  

1. An electrochemical device where a chemical reaction produces energy that is converted directly into electricity. Once used primarily in space travel, fuel cells are now being considered for use in cars. Unlike internal-combustion engines, fuel cells do not pollute the environment.

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Etymology

Origin of fuel cell

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Its fuel cells are much smaller than turbines, and can operate on the site of a data-center campus.

From Barron's

Forgent makes equipment that moves electricity from the grid and fuel cells into data centers and industrial facilities.

From Barron's

Formate is considered a promising material for storing hydrogen, which could help power the next generation of fuel cells.

From Science Daily

Formic acid is an important chemical used in a range of applications, including fuel cells and other industrial processes.

From Science Daily

Bloom Energy, which makes solid oxide fuel cells, is another AI picks-and-shovels play.

From Barron's