Evaluating different cells
| Type of cell | Pros | Cons |
| Alkaline cell | Cheaper to manufacture | May end up in landfill sites once fully discharged; recyclable though it is expensive |
| Rechargeable cell | Can be recharged many times before being recycled, reducing the use of resources | Costs more to manufacture |
| Hydrogen fuel cell | Easy to maintain as there are no moving parts; small size; water is the only chemical product | Very expensive to manufacture; need a constant supply of hydrogen fuel, which is a flammable gas |
| Type of cell | Alkaline cell |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cheaper to manufacture |
| Cons | May end up in landfill sites once fully discharged; recyclable though it is expensive |
| Type of cell | Rechargeable cell |
|---|---|
| Pros | Can be recharged many times before being recycled, reducing the use of resources |
| Cons | Costs more to manufacture |
| Type of cell | Hydrogen fuel cell |
|---|---|
| Pros | Easy to maintain as there are no moving parts; small size; water is the only chemical product |
| Cons | Very expensive to manufacture; need a constant supply of hydrogen fuel, which is a flammable gas |
fuel cellDevice that produces a voltage continuously when supplied with a fuel and oxygen. have different strengths and weaknesses, depending on the intended use. For example, fuel cells are used in spacecraft and vehicles.
Fuel cells in spacecraft
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are used in spacecraft. In addition to the strengths in the table above, the water they produce is useful as drinking water for astronauts.
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells must be supplied with hydrogen fuelMaterial that is used to produce heat, like coal, oil or gas. and oxygen. This could be a problem once a spacecraft leaves the Earth. However, spacecraft in orbit, such as the International Space StationCollection of modules constructed by several countries that currently orbits above the Earth at altitudes of 330km to 430km. A permanent space station. Eg: the ISS orbits Earth 15 times a day., have solar cellA device that converts light energy into electrical energy.. These convert light into electricityThe flow of charge through a conductor., so the hydrogen and oxygen can be replaced by the electrolysisThe decomposition (breakdown) of a compound using an electric current. of water.
Solar cells only work when they are in the light, so the fuel cells allow electricity to be produced even when the spacecraft is in the dark.
