hey there i did a search but came up with next to nothing, what is a fuel cell and how does it differ from a fuel tank? also does it use a different type of refueling system than the standard fuel tank?
Depends on the definition of fuel cell... a Hydrogen/Oxygen fuel cell is one that generates power through fusion, the byproduct being water.
A racing fuel cell is a tank that is typically mounted in the trunk area or interior of the vehicle.
Examples:
http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/fuelcells.html
A hydrogen fuel cell does not use "fusion" to generate electricity. It generates electricity reacting hydrogen (element) and oxygen (element) to create water (molecule) while forcing the electrons to take a run through the vehicles electricl system in the process.
"Fusion" is the the process where 2 elements are forced together to form an different element. Fusion happens in certain types of atomic bombs.
A typical automotive (gasoline or similar) is simply a fuel tank.
The most basic ones are just plastic boxes and are basically the same as any car's fuel tank.
The most elaborate ones that are found in planes and big time race cars are metal boxes with bulletproof kevlar liners. Inside, most of these are baffled with an open cell foam, to help prevent fuel sloshing, and check-valved reservoirs.
Most use different fuel fills only because they are simple, universal designs for any random vehicle use. The most basic use a simple cap that is removed to pour fuel through.
A full OEM style fill can be used though, if the mounting, shape, and cell design allow for it. The 2000 Mustang Cobra R had a full race fuel cell (made by FuelSafe) from the factory that used all the regular filler equipment.
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A hydrogen fuel cell does not use "fusion" to generate electricity. It generates electricity reacting hydrogen (element) and oxygen (element) to create water (molecule) while forcing the electrons to take a run through the vehicles electricl system in the process.
My bad... drunken posting
