American Journal of Applied Sciences 3 (12): 2167-2169, 2006 ISSN 1546-9239 © 2006 Science Publications Corresponding Author: Muzamir Isa, Baharuddin Ismail, Ismail Daut, Mohd Fayzul Mohammed, School of Electrical System Engineering, KUKUM 2167 Characteristic and the Efficiency of Fuel Cell Muzamir Isa, Baharuddin Ismail, Ismail Daut, Mohd Rafi Adzman and Mohd Fayzul Mohammed School of Electrical System Engineering, KUKUM, Malaysia Abstract: The aim of this study was to deliver information about the features of fuel cells. Along with it, this study gives details about activities of renewable energy. It covers analysis of theories and some experiments done using a set of tool called Hydro Genius Teach. The experiments are about advantages of fuel cells compared to other methods that have been used to produce electrical energy from the processes of renewable energy. Furthermore, methods on how fuel cells operate are also given. The main objective of this study is to analyse current usage of renewable energy in the world. The main focus is to do analysis on features of fuel cells as one of ways in renewable energy. Key words: Fuel cell, hydrogen fuel cell and renewable energy INTRODUCTION At present, the large-scale use of fossil fuels is a dominant feature of industrial societies. It is regarded as essential for the growing, distribution and preparation of foods, for construction, manufacturing, communication and organization and many other activities. As we have seen, modern societies and particularly industrial societies, are now totally dependent upon the use of large quantities of energy, most of it in the form of fossil fuels, for virtually all aspects of life. In 1992, the estimated total world consumption of primary energy, in all forms, was approximately 400 Energy Joule (EJ) per year, equivalent to some 9500 million tones of oil per year [1] . Assuming a world population of about 5300 million in that year, this gives an annual average fuel use for energy man, woman and child in the world equivalent to about 1.8 tones of oil. A breakdown of world primary energy consumption by source in 1992 is shown in Fig. 1. Coal 23% Oil 32% Nuclear 6% Hydro 6% Biomass 14% Gas 19% Coal Oil Nuclear Hydro Biomass Gas Fig. 1: World primary energy breakdowns [1] Oil is the dominant fuel, contributing some 32%, followed by coal at 23%. Coal was once the dominant world fuel, but is now losing ground rapidly to oil and gas, which has a 19% share. Energy Consumption For Each Sector (1992-UK) Commercial & Institutional 14% Industry 25% Domestic 29% Transport 32% Commercial & Institutional Industry Domestic Transport Fig. 2: Energy consumption by sector [1] 1999 Residential Buildings Energy End-Use Splits 33% 15% 10% 9% 6% 5% 5% 4% 1% 12% SpaceHeating Water Heating Space Cooling Refrigeration Lighting Electronics Wet Clean Cooking Computers Others Fig. 3: Energy breakdowns in houses [1] Hydroelectricity and nuclear are used much less, at around 6% each. The estimated share of traditional non- commercial fuels such as biomass is around 14%. The first question to consider is how much energy is used by each sector. The domestic sector comprises the second most important energy consumer as we can see from the Fig. 2. The principal uses of energy in the domestic sector are for space heating, water heating, cooking, lighting and electrical appliances. Most of the energy used, around 70%, is for low-grade heat for space and water heating. This is generally provided directly by high-grade sources such as the electricity from thermal power plants. Figure 3 gives an overall picture of energy use in the domestic sector.