Fuel cell technology is "space-age technology" brought down to
earth. Fuel cell technology dates back to the 1800s, but it was
not until the end of the 20th century that it was used
successfully in spacecraft to provide electricity and water. The
technology can be used to make electricity to power vehicles,
homes, and businesses. And if you use a renewable energy source
as the main source of hydrogen, a fuel cell can be considered a
renewable energy source. In California, fuel cell electricity
systems using renewable resources are eligible for funding under
the state's Emerging Renewables Rebate Program. Unlike
conventional technologies, fuel is not "burned" but is combined
in a chemical process. A fuel cell consists of two electrodes
sandwiched around an electrolyte. Oxygen passes over one
electrode and hydrogen over the other, generating electricity,
water, and heat. Hydrogen fuel is fed into the "anode" of the
fuel cell. Oxygen (or air) enters the fuel cell through the
cathode. Encouraged by a catalyst, th