The electro-chemical process in a fuel cell avoids this loss by converting the potential in the fuel directly into electricity. Despite these advantages, fuel cells are in short supply. They still must be custom made because no company has invested the capital needed to build mass production facilities, so cost is a major drawback to widespread commercial use. The technology also needs fine tuning. That's where the research is needed, and that's what we're working on at Virginia Tech.
Fuel cells take advantage of the fact that opposites attract.
Thus, a fuel cell can power and heat a home, for instance. Fuel cells can be collected into stacks to boost the energy available. One type of research funded through the GATE center involves computer modeling of fuel cell systems to help achieve high efficiency for vehicle use. GATE associates also are figuring out the best methods of providing fuel for vehicle fuel cell systems. Right now, it takes about 10 gallons worth of space in compressed gas hydrogen fuel to equal the energy in about one gallon of gasoline.