DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SEMINAR REPORT ON

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL

Submitted by
[Your Name]
Roll No.: [Your Roll Number]
Semester: [Your Semester]
Branch: Electrical Engineering

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Under the guidance of

[Guide’s Name]
(Department of Electrical Engineering)

[College Name]
[Month, Year]
TITLE PAGE

Title of the Seminar: Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Roll No.: [Number]
Semester: [e.g., VIth Semester]
Branch: Electrical Engineering
Guided by: [Guide’s Name]
Institution: [College Name]
Academic Year: 2025–2026
CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE

This is to certify that the seminar report entitled “Hydrogen Fuel Cell” submitted by
[Your Name], Roll No. [Number], in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the
Diploma in Electrical Engineering, has been carried out under my guidance and
supervision.

Guide’s Signature: ___________________

Name: [Guide’s Name]
Designation: Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering
Date: ____________
Seal of Institution
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my seminar guide [Guide’s Name] for
their continuous guidance and encouragement throughout the completion of this seminar
report. I also thank [Head of Department’s Name], Head of the Electrical Engineering
Department, for providing necessary resources and support. Finally, I thank my
classmates, friends, and family for their help, inspiration, and moral support during this
seminar preparation.

ABSTRACT

This seminar report focuses on Hydrogen Fuel Cells, a clean and efficient source of
power generation. The purpose of the seminar is to understand the working principle,
construction, types, and applications of hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to fossil
fuels. Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy through
an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and
heat as by-products. This technology promises sustainable energy for the future, offering
benefits such as high efficiency, zero emissions, and scalability for transportation and
stationary power systems.

INDEX

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
4. Working Principle
5. Types of Fuel Cells
6. Advantages and Disadvantages
7. Conclusion
8. Project Initiation (Dehumidifier)
9. Bibliography
10. References
1. INTRODUCTION

A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into
electricity, water, and heat. It provides a sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution.
Unlike batteries, fuel cells do not require recharging but continuously produce electricity
as long as fuel is supplied. The use of hydrogen as a fuel has gained importance due to
the depletion of fossil fuels and the urgent need to reduce environmental pollution.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Research on hydrogen fuel cells dates back to the 19th century, but practical applications
emerged in the late 20th century with NASA’s space programs. Over the years,
improvements in materials, catalysts, and hydrogen storage have made fuel cells more
viable. Recent developments have focused on reducing cost and increasing efficiency for
commercial use in vehicles, backup power, and portable systems.

3. HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

A hydrogen fuel cell consists of:

- Anode: Where hydrogen gas is oxidized to produce protons and electrons.
- Cathode: Where oxygen reacts with protons and electrons to form water.
- Electrolyte: Allows the movement of ions between the anode and cathode.

The overall chemical reaction is:

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O + Electricity + Heat

4. WORKING PRINCIPLE

1. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode side.

2. A catalyst splits hydrogen into protons and electrons.
3. Protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode.
4. Electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electric current.
5. At the cathode, oxygen combines with protons and electrons to produce water and
heat.
5. TYPES OF FUEL CELLS

1. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) – Used in vehicles and portable
devices.
2. Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) – Used in spacecraft applications.
3. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) – Used for stationary power generation.
4. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) – Suitable for industrial applications.
5. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) – High-efficiency cell for large-scale power plants.

6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages:
- High efficiency and reliability
- Zero emissions (only water vapor)
- Quiet operation
- Renewable energy potential

Disadvantages:
- High initial cost
- Hydrogen storage and transportation challenges
- Limited refueling infrastructure

7. CONCLUSION

Hydrogen fuel cells represent a major step toward a sustainable energy future. They can
replace conventional fossil fuel systems in transportation, stationary, and portable
applications. Although there are challenges in hydrogen storage and cost, continuous
research is making fuel cells more accessible and efficient for commercial use.

8. PROJECT INITIATION – DEHUMIDIFIER

a) Description of Problem Statement:

Humidity causes discomfort, mold growth, and electrical equipment damage. A
dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture from the air to maintain comfortable
humidity levels.
b) Scope and Objectives:
- To design and develop a small-scale dehumidifier.
- To understand the working of humidity control systems.
- To improve air quality and protect sensitive equipment.

c) Stakeholders:
Students, faculty, laboratory users, and home appliance manufacturers.

d) Platform / Identification:
The project uses electrical and refrigeration components such as compressor, evaporator,
condenser, and fan. The platform includes basic circuit design and control using
temperature and humidity sensors.

9. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Larminie, J. & Dicks, A., Fuel Cell Systems Explained, Wiley, 2020.
2. EG&G Services, Fuel Cell Handbook, U.S. Department of Energy, 2019.
3. www.energy.gov/hydrogen
4. www.fuelcell.org

10. REFERENCES

[1] K. O’Hayre et al., “Fuel Cell Fundamentals,” Wiley, 4th Edition, 2022.
[2] “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles,” U.S. Department of Energy Reports, 2023.
[3] “Dehumidifier Technology Overview,” ASHRAE Journal, Vol. 65, No. 5, 2024.