# Fuel cell

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/fuel-cell
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: FC
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

An electrochemical source that converts hydrogen or another fuel directly into DC electricity, usually followed by a converter.

## In plain English

### What does Fuel cell mean?

A fuel cell produces DC electricity from an electrochemical reaction between a fuel, usually hydrogen, and oxygen from air. Unlike a battery it does not store its reactants; it runs as long as fuel is supplied. Stack voltage falls noticeably with load current, so a DC/DC converter or inverter almost always follows it.

### A simple example

Drawings show the cell or stack as a rectangle with plates, or as a cell symbol labelled FC, with positive and negative DC leads. Balance-of-plant items such as the air blower, humidifier and coolant pump are auxiliary loads and normally appear on a separate auxiliary supply drawing.

### What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not state whether the stack can follow fast load changes. Most fuel cell systems pair with a battery or supercapacitor to cover transients, and the fuel supply, purge and safety interlocks belong on the process drawings.

### This particular reference

An electrochemical source that converts hydrogen or another fuel directly into DC electricity, usually followed by a converter. A fuel cell converts supplied fuel continuously; a battery stores a fixed charge and must be recharged.

### Terms

- DC: Direct current: electricity flowing in one direction.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Battery energy storage and power conversion](https://www.eaton.com/sg/en-us/products/energy-storage.html)


## What it represents

A fuel cell produces DC electricity from an electrochemical reaction between a fuel, usually hydrogen, and oxygen from air. Unlike a battery it does not store its reactants; it runs as long as fuel is supplied. Stack voltage falls noticeably with load current, so a DC/DC converter or inverter almost always follows it.
Drawings show the cell or stack as a rectangle with plates, or as a cell symbol labelled FC, with positive and negative DC leads. Balance-of-plant items such as the air blower, humidifier and coolant pump are auxiliary loads and normally appear on a separate auxiliary supply drawing.
The symbol does not state whether the stack can follow fast load changes. Most fuel cell systems pair with a battery or supercapacitor to cover transients, and the fuel supply, purge and safety interlocks belong on the process drawings.

## How to read it

- Expect a converter and often a battery buffer next to the stack.
- Separate stack output from auxiliary consumption when reading ratings.

## Information to show or reference

- State stack voltage range and current.
- Show converter and buffer storage.
- Reference fuel supply and safety interlocks.

## Important distinction

A fuel cell converts supplied fuel continuously; a battery stores a fixed charge and must be recharged.

## Facts

- Output: DC, voltage falls with load
- Fuel: Usually hydrogen
- Typical pairing: DC/DC converter and buffer storage
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC graphical symbol context for sources and conversion elements.
- [Battery energy storage and power conversion](https://www.eaton.com/sg/en-us/products/energy-storage.html) — Eaton. Public energy storage and power conversion context.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.