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Costs for solar photovoltaic power generation are still high, but have decreased over the past
20 years. New generations of solar pv technologies are emerging as a result of new materials
research.
In the next years, we may see inexpensive solar pv materials printed like newspapers on
rolls of flexible film. Flexible solar pv materials are already being “rolled-out” on the rooftops of ware-
houses, and some of these warehouses are now able to supply energy back into the local
power grid during energy demand peaks.
Part 3. Introduction of the reversible fuel cell
The reversible fuel cell is very unique because it is both an electrolyzer and a fuel cell combined into
one device. When applying an electric current, the device acts as an electrolyzer that produces hydro-
gen and oxygen from de-ionized water. When applying a load, the electrolyzer becomes a fuel cell and
generates electricity from hydrogen.
A. Fuel cell function of the reversible fuel cell: how does it work?
A fuel cell is a device that can convert hydrogen to usable electric power. The fuel cell is an assembly
of advanced material layers where hydrogen and oxygen react with each other to generate electricity
and water, without any combustion.
Serious interest in fuel cells did not begin until the 1960's, when they were used as power for man’s
first missions to the moon. Although fuel cells still provide electricity and water for today's space
missions, this unique technology is now aimed at promoting a global transition to renewable energy
sources. Fuel cell cars that use hydrogen as fuel are called "zero emission vehicles." If fuel cell cars
were to use hydrogen produced by renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power, our fuel
supply would be unlimited - and consumption of hydrogen through fuel cells would not create any
waste nor air pollution.










