Due to their environmental and efficiency characteristics fuel cells are promising technological solutions for many energy related applications (stationary power generation, vehicle propulsion, portable equipment). This book describes the economic dynamics of fuel cells by analyzing their diffusion perspectives as well as the strategic and organisational arrangements designed to promote their development. The costs, risks and economic stakes of fuel cell technologies require both a sustained involvement from public entities and the setting up of innovation networks with a large variety of heterogeneous actors. This context corresponds to a new space for technological competition located at the intersection between firms, networks and national/regional systems of innovation. The book presents a comprehensive analysis of this cooperation/competition phenomenon through different theoretical and empirical investigations.
This book reviews the state-of-the-art in fuel cells (low and high temperature) across all the types applied in the field today and assesses current trends in development.
This concise sourcebook of the electrochemical, engineering and economic principles involved in the development and commercialization of fuel cells offers a thorough review of applications and techno-economic assessment of fuel cell technologies, plus in-depth discussion of conventional and novel approaches for generating energy. Parts I and II explain basic and applied electrochemistry relevant to an understanding of fuel cells. Part III covers engineering and technology aspects. The book is useful for undergraduate and graduate students and scientists interested in fuel cells. Unlike any other current book on fuel cells, each chapter includes problems based on the discussions in the text.
PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. - Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications - Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters - Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts
Innovation, Markets and Sustainable Energy is the first attempt to explore fuel cells and hydrogen technologies by embracing a solid theoretical perspective in the field of innovation and management. Adopting a cross-sectional and international perspective, the book analyzes the implications of introducing fuel cells into the industrial system and explores the complexity of market development for new technological solutions. This book presents an in-depth study of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry and markets, concentrating on the disruptive nature of these technologies. It examines the value chain structure and the strategies of relevant industry players, the alliances and inter-organizational learning processes, the development of new markets, and venture capital dynamics. It also provides an overview of the policies that support hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in major countries around the world. Academics focussing on innovation management, strategy, sustainability, and energy and environmental management will warmly welcome this timely book. It will also be of great interest for the fuel cell and hydrogen practitioner community at large and in particular policymakers.
The only book available on fuel cell modeling and control with distributed power generation applications The emerging fuel cell (FC) technology is growing rapidly in its applications from small-scale portable electronics to large-scale power generation. This book gives students, engineers, and scientists a solid understanding of the FC dynamic modeling and controller design to adapt FCs to particular applications in distributed power generation. The book begins with a fascinating introduction to the subject, including a brief history of the U.S. electric utility formation and restructuring. Next, it provides coverage of power deregulation and distributed generation (DG), DG types, fuel cell DGs, and the hydrogen economy. Building on that foundation, it covers: Principle operations of fuel cells Dynamic modeling and simulation of PEM and solid-oxide fuel cells Principle operations and modeling of electrolyzers Power electronic interfacing circuits for fuel cell applications Control of grid-connected and stand-alone fuel cell power generation systems Hybrid fuel cell–based energy system case studies Present challenges and the future of fuel cells MATLAB/SIMULINK-based models and their applications are available via a companion Web site. Modeling and Control of Fuel Cells is an excellent reference book for students and professionals in electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering and scientists working in the FC area.
Fuel Cells have become a potentially highly efficient sustainable source of energy and electricity for an ever-demanding power hungry world. The two main types of fuel cells ripe for commercialisation are the high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and the low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEM). The commercial uses of which include, but are not limited to, military, stand-by power, commercial and industrial, and remoter power. However, all aspects of the electricity market are being considered. This book has brought together a team of world-renowned experts in all aspects of fuel cell development for both SOFC and PEM in a workshop environment. The workshop held between June 6–10, 2004 was held in the capital city of the Ukraine, Kiev. The reason for the venue was that Ukraine is the third largest resource of zircon sands, a major source of material for the solid oxide fuel cell. Ukraine is looking at undertaking a very large effort in the solid oxide fuel cell arena, and hopes, one day, to be an international player in this market, and this book is an outcome from the workshop. The book focuses on the issues related to fuel cells, particularly the state-of-the-art internationally, the issues that were of particular interest for getting fuel cells fully commercialized, and advances in fuel cell materials and technology. The focus was on all types of fuel cells, but the emphasis was particularly on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), due to their importance to the host country. The book is an essential reference to researchers, academics and industrialists interested in up-to-date information on SOFC and PEM development.
Fuel Cells: Technologies for Fuel Processing provides an overview of the most important aspects of fuel reforming to the generally interested reader, researcher, technologist, teacher, student, or engineer. The topics covered include all aspects of fuel reforming: fundamental chemistry, different modes of reforming, catalysts, catalyst deactivation, fuel desulfurization, reaction engineering, novel reforming concepts, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer issues, system design, and recent research and development. While no attempt is made to describe the fuel cell itself, there is sufficient description of the fuel cell to show how it affects the fuel reformer. By focusing on the fundamentals, this book aims to be a source of information now and in the future. By avoiding time-sensitive information/analysis (e.g., economics) it serves as a single source of information for scientists and engineers in fuel processing technology. The material is presented in such a way that this book will serve as a reference for graduate level courses, fuel cell developers, and fuel cell researchers. - Chapters written by experts in each area - Extensive bibliography supporting each chapter - Detailed index - Up-to-date diagrams and full colour illustrations
The expected end of the “oil age” will lead to increasing focus and reliance on alternative energy conversion devices, among which fuel cells have the potential to play an important role. Not only can phosphoric acid and solid oxide fuel cells already efficiently convert today’s fossil fuels, including methane, into electricity, but other types of fuel cells, such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, have the potential to become the cornerstones of a possible future hydrogen economy. Featuring 21 peer-reviewed entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Fuel Cells offers concise yet comprehensive coverage of the current state of research and identifies key areas for future investigation. Internationally renowned specialists provide authoritative introductions to a wide variety of fuel cell types, and discuss materials, components, and systems for these technologies. The entries also cover sustainability and marketing considerations, including comparisons of fuel cells with alternative technologies.
