Solar Hydrogen Systems
Series and Parallel Circuts
Series circuits have only one path for power to flow through, so if one component is removed, the entire system wont work. However, a parallel circuit has multiple paths for current to flow through so if a component is removed the circuit can still function, based on which and how many components you remove. A series circuit is most useful when you are working towards a more simple output such as having a single diode and maybe a switch.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels use photons which are light particles to take the electrons that float around the outside of an atom and knock them off, which then causes a flow of electricity. Solar panels are made up of many photo-voltaic cells. Photo-voltaic cells used metaloids which are semiconductors and create electric fields and allow for a negative charge to be established between the layers of the materials that the manufacturer chooses to use. (There are many combinations of options) The different metaloids used are constantly trading the electrons that have been knocked loose by the photons. This constant transfer of electrons is what causes the electricity between the atoms and therefore the electric flow that creates the power.
How Fuel Cells Work
Hydrogen fuel cells store power by collecting and controlling the release of energy contained in hydrogen and oxygen gasses. The separation of bonds allows for electrons to be released. A membrane collects the electrons and utilizes them through electrolysis to become power. Fuel cells are normally incredibly low in voltage and have to be connected to many other cells in order to produce enough power to be used on a commercial scale. However, they don't create pollution because the process does not involve combustion. Hydrogen fuel cells can be used for larger scale projects but are a bit impractical for household type uses because they are a newer technology and the research that is done is mostly put into improving the cells themselves and not making the output of power for the size of the cell a more efficient ratio.
Circuit Pictures
Reflection
Based on what I have learned from this project, and other research I have done, I have come to the conclusion that solar cells are not the most efficient energy capture system. Solar cells are expensive and large, and only capture a very small percentage of the energy available to them. When comparing the price to the payback, panels cost a lot of money up front and take a large amount of time to pay for themselves. Solar cells are inefficient as well. They are expensive and require a large system to power anything of average size.