Fuel Cell FAQs
How does fuel cell technology work?
Essentially a power generation device, a fuel cell creates electricity by stripping electrons from hydrogen that is extracted from hydrogen-rich fuels such as hydrocarbons and alcohols. Unlike a battery, fuel cells are able to produce energy as long as fuel is supplied.
What is a fuel cell?
A device that electrochemically converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant to electrical energy. The fuel and oxidant are typically stored outside of the fuel cell and transferred into the fuel cell as the reactants are consumed.
What are the different types of fuel cells?
There are a number of types of fuel cell which are normally distinguished by the electrolyte they contain. The best-known types are alkaline (AFC), molten carbonate (MCFC), phosphoric acid (PAFC), proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide (SOFC). Direct methanol and regenerative fuel cells are also being extensively researched.
What fuels are typically used for fuel cells?
Each of the different types of fuel cells require different fuels. For example, direct methanol fuel cells require just that - methanol. PEM fuel cells require hydrogen which can come in the form of direct hydrogen or through the reformation of common fuels such as natural gas, propane, diesel or methanol.
Why is methanol selected for reforming?
Methanol is a highly appropriate fuel for reforming due to its consistent high quality, very low sulfur content, and lower reforming temperature. Widely distributed, cost-competitive, and already found in a range of consumer products such as windshield washer fluid and household solvents, methanol is a reliable fuel with a bright future.
Methanol offers other important advantages as well, such as:
What is a fuel processor?
A device that supplies purified hydrogen to a fuel cell, consisting of a reformer coupled to a hydrogen purifier.
Can a fuel cell system replace grid power?
Eventually fuel cells can be expected to replace grid power. The current configurations of the fuel cell systems will not support grid independent, primary power operation for prolonged periods of time.
What are the applications for fuel cells and why is fuel cell technology better than existing technology?
Fuel cell systems are ideal in remote locations where connection to the grid is difficult or expensive. In this application using a fuel cell system can offset the need to build new power lines. Additionally they provide supplemental power to solve quality or reliability problems. Research is underway to develop PEM fuel cells as a practical power source for automobiles and homes.
What obstacles must be overcome before fuel cell technology is readily available?
Fuel cell technologies for applications such as remote backup power for telecommunications are commercially available today. Fuel cells offer great promise for meeting future power needs, but there are challenges to overcome. Besides making the technology affordable and readily available, a cost effective fuel infrastructure must be developed.
Building an infrastructure that uses hydrogen as an energy carrier is essential to achieving full commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies, including fuel cells. This new energy infrastructure is known as the "hydrogen economy." Before widespread hydrogen distribution is possible, hydrogen technologies must be developed to produce hydrogen.
Essentially a power generation device, a fuel cell creates electricity by stripping electrons from hydrogen that is extracted from hydrogen-rich fuels such as hydrocarbons and alcohols. Unlike a battery, fuel cells are able to produce energy as long as fuel is supplied.
What is a fuel cell?
A device that electrochemically converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidant to electrical energy. The fuel and oxidant are typically stored outside of the fuel cell and transferred into the fuel cell as the reactants are consumed.
What are the different types of fuel cells?
There are a number of types of fuel cell which are normally distinguished by the electrolyte they contain. The best-known types are alkaline (AFC), molten carbonate (MCFC), phosphoric acid (PAFC), proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide (SOFC). Direct methanol and regenerative fuel cells are also being extensively researched.
What fuels are typically used for fuel cells?
Each of the different types of fuel cells require different fuels. For example, direct methanol fuel cells require just that - methanol. PEM fuel cells require hydrogen which can come in the form of direct hydrogen or through the reformation of common fuels such as natural gas, propane, diesel or methanol.
Why is methanol selected for reforming?
Methanol is a highly appropriate fuel for reforming due to its consistent high quality, very low sulfur content, and lower reforming temperature. Widely distributed, cost-competitive, and already found in a range of consumer products such as windshield washer fluid and household solvents, methanol is a reliable fuel with a bright future.
Methanol offers other important advantages as well, such as:
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable in air, soil and water
- A liquid at atmospheric conditions
- Made from renewable and non-renewable resources
- Supplied globally and distributed locally
- Cost competitive
- By a recent UN recommendation, a cartridge containing 1 Liter of methanol fuel mixture is deemed safe for public travel
What is a fuel processor?
A device that supplies purified hydrogen to a fuel cell, consisting of a reformer coupled to a hydrogen purifier.
Can a fuel cell system replace grid power?
Eventually fuel cells can be expected to replace grid power. The current configurations of the fuel cell systems will not support grid independent, primary power operation for prolonged periods of time.
What are the applications for fuel cells and why is fuel cell technology better than existing technology?
Fuel cell systems are ideal in remote locations where connection to the grid is difficult or expensive. In this application using a fuel cell system can offset the need to build new power lines. Additionally they provide supplemental power to solve quality or reliability problems. Research is underway to develop PEM fuel cells as a practical power source for automobiles and homes.
What obstacles must be overcome before fuel cell technology is readily available?
Fuel cell technologies for applications such as remote backup power for telecommunications are commercially available today. Fuel cells offer great promise for meeting future power needs, but there are challenges to overcome. Besides making the technology affordable and readily available, a cost effective fuel infrastructure must be developed.
Building an infrastructure that uses hydrogen as an energy carrier is essential to achieving full commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies, including fuel cells. This new energy infrastructure is known as the "hydrogen economy." Before widespread hydrogen distribution is possible, hydrogen technologies must be developed to produce hydrogen.
