fuel cell

noun

: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (such as hydrogen) and an oxidant directly into electrical energy

Examples of fuel cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Energy Vault bid to install a permanent mini-grid system, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and boosted by lithium-ion battery banks. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This groundbreaking innovation, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, definitely blurs the lines between land and air travel. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2024 Manufacturers have begun to develop semitrucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells, and shipping lines have announced steps in deploying cargo container ships fueled by hydrogen or methanol. Ronald D. White, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The Residential Clean Energy Credit covers part of the costs for solar panels to generate electricity as well as solar-water heaters, fuel cells, battery-storage devices and other new equipment. The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity, or power and heat. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Oct. 2023 Beijing has set a target that at least 20% of new cars sold annually in China by 2025 should be new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include BEVs, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Jan. 2024 Most of the hydrogen for those fuel cells are made elsewhere, though, and Plug delivers it to warehouses via truck. Justine Calma, The Verge, 28 Dec. 2023 Hydrogen buses have electric motors, powered by a fuel cell in which hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to form water and generate electricity. Kristel Tjandra, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuel cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuel cell was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near fuel cell

Cite this Entry

“Fuel cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20cell. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fuel cell

noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) into electrical energy

More from Merriam-Webster on fuel cell

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