Fuel Cells are energy conversion devices set to replace combustion engines and compliment batteries in a number of Applications. They convert the chemical energy contained in fuels, into electrical energy (electricity), with heat and water generated as by-products. Fuel cells continue to generate electricity for as long as a fuel is supplied, similar to traditional engines. However unlike engines, where fuels are burnt to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy, fuel cells convert fuels directly into electricity via an electrochemical process that does not require combustion. This process enables fuel cells to be more efficient at creating electricity than engines which have to go through an additional step to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy.
These technologies offer a combination of benefits that can:
- Lower your Carbon Footprint
- Reduce Noise and Air Pollution
- Reduce Fuel Bills – through the use of more efficient technology
- Produce Fuel Onsite.
- Generate Heat and Power Onsite
- Improve Environmental Credentials and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Potential Long-Term Money Savings
- Earn ROQ’s
All fuel cells contain either solid or liquid Electrolytes sandwiched between two electrodes. There are a number of different Types of Fuel Cells, and these are characterised by their particular electrolyte. Different types of fuel cells operate at different temperatures and on a variety of fuels, including both gaseous fuels such as Hydrogen and Natural Gas, to liquid fuels such as methanol and ethanol. Low temperature fuel cells require pure Hydrogen, whereas higher temperature fuel cells can operate directly on hydrocarbon fuels such as Natural Gas. There are several main types of fuel cells, each more suitable for particular Applications. The main types of fuel cell include:
The most common type of fuel cell, the PEM Fuel Cell, uses pure Hydrogen as fuel, which is electrochemically combined with oxygen to produce electricity with emissions of pure water. PEM fuel cells are low temperature fuel cells, and are the primary type of fuel cell used for Transportation Applications, Backup Power and Portable Applications. The hydrogen required to power these fuel cells can either be generated by Reforming hydrocarbon fuels, or by Electrolysis of Water which can produce renewable Fuels if the electricity required to power the electrolyser is generated from Renewable Energy Sources. The equipment required to produce and supply fuel is collectively referred to as Infrastructure.
Higher temperature fuel cells, such as Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), and Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), are more suited to Combined Heat & Power Applications, and Primary Power applications.
Direct Methanol fuel cells are more suitable for small Portable Applications, and Micro Applications.
There are exceptions, for example SOFC Fuel Cell Products for Portable Applications, and PEM Fuel Cells for Primary Power Applications.
A Fuel Cell System is comprised of a number of Materials, Components, and Subsystems that make up the fuel cell Supply Chain. |
