Fuel cells continue to be heralded as the energy source of the future, and every year an immense amount of research time and money is devoted making them more economically and technically viable. Fuel Cells Compendium brings together an up-to-date review of the literature and commentary surrounding fuel cells research. Covering all relevant disciplines from science to engineering to policy, it is an exceptional resource for anyone with an invested interest in the field. - Provides an comprehensive selection of reviews and other industrially focused material on fuel cells research - Broadly scoped to encompass many disciplines, from science to engineering, to applications and policy - In-depth coverage of the two major types of fuel cells: Ceramic (Solid Oxide) and Polymers (Proton Exchange Membranes)
Compendium of Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen Energy Conversion, Volume Three is the third part of a four volume series and focuses on the methods of converting stored hydrogen into useful energy. The other three volumes focus on hydrogen production and purification; hydrogen storage and transmission; and hydrogen use, safety, and the hydrogen economy, respectively. Many experts believe that, in time, the hydrogen economy will replace the fossil fuel economy as the primary source of energy. Once hydrogen has been produced and stored, it can then be converted via fuel cells or internal combustion engines into useful energy. This volume highlights how different fuel cells and hydrogen-fueled combustion engines and turbines work. The first part of the volume investigates various types of hydrogen fuel cells, including solid oxide, molten carbonate, and proton exchange membrane. The second part looks at hydrogen combustion energy, and the final section explores the use of metal hydrides in hydrogen energy conversion. - Highlights how different fuel cells and hydrogen-fueled combustion engines and turbines work - Features input written by leading academics in the field of sustainable energy and experts from the world of industry - Examines various types of hydrogen fuel cells, including solid oxide, molten carbonate, and proton exchange membrane - Presents part of a very comprehensive compendium which, across four volumes, looks at the entirety of the hydrogen energy economy
Fuel cell technology is the most exciting and legitimate alternative source of power currently available to us as world resources of non-renewable fuel continue to be depleted. No other power generating technology holds the same benefits that fuel cells offer, including high reliability and efficiency, negligible environmental impact, and security of supply. Fuel cells run on hydrogen – the simplest and most plentiful gas in the universe - although they can also run on carbon monoxide, methane, or even coal. Their applications are diverse, from powering automobiles, buildings and portable electronics, to converting methane gas from wastewater plants and landfills into electricity. Fuel Cells, Engines and Hydrogen is a controversial text that challenges the accepted industry parameters for measuring fuel cell performance and efficiency. Based on his inter-disciplinary experience in the fields of power, nuclear power, and desalination, the author contends that the development potential of the fuel cell is related to the quantity fuel chemical exergy, which, like electrical potential, is a quantitative measure of work done. The fuel cell community currently characterises these devices in terms of the enthalpy of combustion (calorific value) – however the author argues a correct, qualitatively different and fourfold larger characterisation is via the fuel chemical exergy, in units of work, and not energy. He asserts that the distortion introduced by this accepted perspective needs to be corrected before relatively efficient fuel cells, integrated with comparatively low performing gas turbines, reach the market. Fuel Cells, Engines and Hydrogen features a foreword by Dr Gerry Agnew, Executive VP Engineering of Rolls Royce Fuel Cells Systems Ltd. It is essential reading for all engineers involved with fuel cells and/ or the manufacture of hydrogen from natural gas, as well as academics in related disciplines such as thermodynamics, physical chemistry, materials, physics, mechanical and chemical engineering.
This issue of ECS Transactions is devoted to all aspects of research, development, and engineering of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and attacks, as well as low-temperature direct-fuel cells. The intention of the symposium is to bring together the international community working on the subject and to enable effective interactions between the research and engineering communities. This issue is sold as a two-part set.
"This book is a one of a kind, definitive reference source for technical students and researchers, government policymakers, and business leaders. It provides an overview of past and present initiatives to improve and commercialize fuel cell technologies. It provides context and analysis to help potential investors assess current fuel cell commercialization activities and future prospects. Most importantly, it gives top executive policymakers and company presidents with detailed policy recommendations as to what should be done to successfully commercialize fuel cell technologies."--pub. desc.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a reaction (between fuel and oxidant) directly into electricity. Given their efficiency and low emissions, fuel cells provide an important alternative to power produced from fossil fuels. A major challenge in their use is the need for better materials to make fuel cells cost-effective and more durable. This important book reviews developments in materials to fulfil the potential of fuel cells as a major power source.After introductory chapters on the key issues in fuel cell materials research, the book reviews the major types of fuel cell. These include alkaline fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells and regenerative fuel cells. The book concludes with reviews of novel fuel cell materials, ways of analysing performance and issues affecting recyclability and life cycle assessment.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Materials for fuel cells is a valuable reference for all those researching, manufacturing and using fuel cells in such areas as automotive engineering. - Examines the key issues in fuel cell materials research - Reviews the major types of fuel cells such as direct methanol and regenerative fuel cells - Further chapters explore ways of analysing performance and issues affecting recyclability and life cycle assessment
Nanomaterials for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells explains nanomaterials and nanocomposites as well as the characterization, manufacturing, and design of alcohol fuel cell applications. The advantages of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) are significant for reliable and long-lasting portable power sources used in devices such as mobile phones and computers. Even though substantial improvements have been made in DAFC systems over the last decade, more effort is needed to commercialize DAFCs by producing durable, low-cost, and smaller-sized devices. Nanomaterials have an important role to play in achieving this aim. The use of nanotechnology in DAFCs is vital due to their role in the synthesis of nanocatalysts within the manufacturing process. Lately, nanocatalysts containing carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanocoils have also attracted much attention. When compared to traditional materials, carbon-based materials have unique advantages, such as high corrosion resistance, better electrical conductivity, and less catalyst poisoning. This book also covers different aspects of nanocomposites fabrication, including their preparation, design, and characterization techniques for their fuel cell applications. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers, energy scientists, and electrochemists who are seeking to improve their understanding of how nanomaterials are being used to enhance the efficiency and lower the cost of DAFCs. - Shows how nanomaterials are being used for the design and manufacture of DAFCs - Explores how nanotechnology is being used to enhance the synthesis and catalysis processes to create the next generation of fuel cells - Assesses the major challenges of producing nanomaterial-based DAFCs on an industrial scale
This issue of the 2006 Fuel Cell Seminar, held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2006, marks the 30th Anniversary of the seminar, and contains papers dealing with stationary fuel cell systems, technology development, demonstration, and commercialization of fuel cells. Major topic of discussions throughout the three oral sessions and poster sessions were stationary fuel cell systems, hydrogen systems, and their efficient use as backup systems. Their use as alternative energies and portable fuel cells were also discussed.
There are many fuel cell technologies, entities, commercialization plans, and research and development activities at various states of maturity. The fuel cell efforts encompassed in this issue represents a major, international research and development and demonstration activity. Fuel cells are a topic of great interest and shall probably remain so for some time. The Fuel Cell Seminar and Exposition remains a major social, technical, and marketing forum for fuel cells. The Electrochemical Society, through its collaboration with the Seminar, is able to bring this issue of ECS Transactions, containing important contributions, to a broad technical audience.
