Fuel Cells as Energy Sources for Future Mobile Devices

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 492-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sari Tasa ◽  
Teppo Aapro
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology

Mobile device manufacturers would like to provide totally wireless solutions—including charging. Future multimedia devices need to have longer operation times as simultaneously they require more power. Device miniaturization leaves less volumetric space available also for the energy source. The energy density of the Li-ion batteries is high, and continuously developed, but not at the same speed as the demand from devices. Fuel cells can be one possible solution to power mobile devices without connection to the mains grid, but they will not fit to all use cases. The fuel cell system includes a core unit, fuel system, controls, and battery to level out peaks. The total energy efficiency is the sum of the performance of the whole system. The environmental performance of the fuel cell system cannot be determined yet. Regulatory and standardization work is on-going and driving the fuel cell technology development. The main target is in safety, which is very important aspect for energy technologies. The outcomes will also have an effect on efficiency, cost, design, and environmental performance. Proper water, thermal, airflow, and fuel management of the fuel cell system combined with mechanical durability and reliability are the crucial enablers for stable operation required from the integrated power source of a mobile device. Reliability must be on the same level as the reliability of the device the energy source is powering; this means years of continuous operation time. Typically, the end-users are not interested of the enabling technologies nor understand the usage limits. They are looking for easy to use devices to enhance their daily life. Fuel cell technology looks promising but there are many practical issues to be solved.

scholarly journals Thermodynamic Effects of Nanotechnological Augmentation of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reece Cohen Woodley ◽  
Kane Yang ◽  
Geoffrey Bruce Tanner ◽  
Dennis Tran
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Thermodynamic Efficiency ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel Cells ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Structured Catalysts ◽  
Thermodynamic Effects

This meta-study focuses on the research regarding the use of nanotechnology in traditional fuel cells in order to increase thermodynamic efficiency through the exploitation of various thermodynamic systems and theories. The use of nanofilters and nano-structured catalysts improve the fuel cell system through the means of filtering molecules from protons and electrons significantly increases the possible output of the fuel cell and the use of nano-platinum catalysts to lower the activation energy of the fuel cell chemical reaction a notable amount resulting in a more efficient system and smaller entropy in comparison to the use of macro sized catalysts.

Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell for Automotive Applications and Vehicle Modeling

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. O. Branda˜o ◽  
S. C. A. Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Control System ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Automotive Applications ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Super Capacitor ◽  
Vehicle Modeling ◽  
Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell ◽  
Alcohol Fuel

This paper describes the study made by COPPE/UFRJ which goal is the development of fuel cells systems for automotive applications. The study is divided in two parts. The first is the development of a PEM direct fuel cell. In addition a method for experimentally determine the possibility of using a fuel in a fuel cell is developed. The components of catalysts are also tested such as Tin and Ruthenium in a Platinum coated electrode. The second part is the control system for a fuel cell powered vehicle. The vehicle power is modeled from its actions and losses. A power of 80kW seems to be a great choice if made of 50kW from the fuel cell system and 30kW from an accumulator such as a pack of batteries or a super capacitor.

Fuel Cells: What’s Up Next?

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kas Hemmes
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Chemical Process ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Exothermic Reaction ◽  
Process Industry ◽  
Chemical Process Industry ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology ◽  
Direct Carbon Fuel Cell

Fuel cells are defined as devices that convert chemical energy into heat and electric power. However, depending on their type, fuel cells have special features that can be used advantageously in for instance the chemical process industry of which examples will be given. Nevertheless these new applications use existing fuel cells like the MCFC. This is very exiting and many new possibilities are yet to be explored. However there is no principle reason why we should limit fuel cell technology to present types and the well known fuels like hydrogen, methane and methanol and air as oxidant. Recently interest in the direct conversion of carbon as a fuel has revived which has led to the development of a DCFC (direct carbon fuel cell) based on MCFC technology. Lawrence Livermore National Lab has demonstrated the DCFC successfully on a bench scale size. Also H2S is considered as a fuel. Further ahead opportunities are to be explored by replacing exothermic reaction in the chemical process industry such as partial oxidation reactions by their electrochemical counterpart. Thereby electricity is generated instead of excessive waste heat. Now that fuel cell technology is getting mature we can think of adopting this technology in new dedicated fuel cell types, with relatively short development trajectories, for application in totally new fields where electricity may just be a by-product.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Review on Fuel Cell Technology for Stationary Applications as Sustainable and Efficient Poly-Generation Energy Systems

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 4963
Author(s):  
Viviana Cigolotti ◽  
Matteo Genovese ◽  
Petronilla Fragiacomo
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology ◽  
Component Material ◽  
Primary Power ◽  
And Performance

Fuel cell technologies have several applications in stationary power production, such as units for primary power generation, grid stabilization, systems adopted to generate backup power, and combined-heat-and-power configurations (CHP). The main sectors where stationary fuel cells have been employed are (a) micro-CHP, (b) large stationary applications, (c) UPS, and IPS. The fuel cell size for stationary applications is strongly related to the power needed from the load. Since this sector ranges from simple backup systems to large facilities, the stationary fuel cell market includes few kWs and less (micro-generation) to larger sizes of MWs. The design parameters for the stationary fuel cell system differ for fuel cell technology (PEM, AFC, PAFC, MCFC, and SOFC), as well as the fuel type and supply. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of two main trends of research on fuel-cell-based poly-generation systems: tracking the market trends and performance analysis. In deeper detail, the present review will list a potential breakdown of the current costs of PEM/SOFC production for building applications over a range of production scales and at representative specifications, as well as broken down by component/material. Inherent to the technical performance, a concise estimation of FC system durability, efficiency, production, maintenance, and capital cost will be presented.

scholarly journals New Avenues for Electrochemistry

2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (02) ◽  
pp. 46-51
Author(s):  
Michael Valenti
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Coal Mine ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Industrial Plants ◽  
Coal Mine Methane ◽  
Automotive Engines

Manufacturers of fuel cells are working to improve the economics of electrochemical devices to make them more competitive with conventional fossil fuel power systems for industrial plants and vehicles. FuelCell Energy of Danbury, Connecticut, is designing a system to convert polluting coal mine methane into electricity. General Electric MicroGen of Latham, New York, plans to introduce a residential fuel cell system by the end of the year to provide remote homes with backup current and heat. Another residential system is being developed by International Fuel Cells of South Windsor, Connecticut. The Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, West Virginia, is sponsoring a program to determine the feasibility of feeding coal mine methane to fuel cells. The program involves building a 250-kilowatt fuel cell system at the Nelms mining complex operated by Harrison Mining Corp. in Cadiz, Ohio. A fuel cell system planned for the Nelms complex will assist these automotive engines in consuming methane emissions while generating electricity.

scholarly journals Using Hybrid MCDM Methods to Assess Fuel Cell Technology for the Next Generation of Hybrid Power Automobiles

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 406-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Yo Huang ◽  
◽  
Yi-Hsuan Hung ◽  
Gwo-Hshiung Tzeng ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Hybrid Electric Vehicle ◽  
Hybrid Electric Vehicles ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology ◽  
Hybrid Electric

With their huge consumption of petroleum and creation of a large number of pollutants, traditional vehicles have become one of the major creators of pollution in the world. To save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, in recent years national governments have aggressively planned and promoted energy-saving vehicles that use green energy. Thus, hybrid electric vehicles have already become the frontrunners for future vehicles while fuel cells are considered the most suitable energy storage devices for future hybrid electric vehicles. However, various competing fuel cell technologies do exist. Furthermore, very few scholars have tried to investigate how the development of future fuel cells for hybrid electric vehicles can be assessed so that the results can serve as a foundation for the next generation of hybrid electric vehicle developments. Thus, how to assess various fuel cells is one the most critical issues in the designing of hybrid electric vehicles. This research intends to adopt a framework based on Hybrid Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) for the assessment of the development in fuel cells for future hybrid electric vehicles. The analytic framework can be used for selecting the most suitable fuel cell technology for future hybrid electric vehicles. The results of the analysis can also be used for designing the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles.

Installation and Planned Testing of the 625 kW Molten Carbonate Ship Service Fuel Cell

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Nickens ◽  
Donald Hoffman ◽  
Mark Cervi ◽  
Edward House
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology ◽  
Cell Energy

The U.S. Navy Ship Service Fuel Cell (SSFC) program is approaching the testing phase of the 625 KW molten carbonate ship service fuel cell generator. Testing is scheduled to occur in fiscal year 2005. The objective of the SSFC program is to develop diesel fueled shipboard fuel cell power systems with optimized performance characteristics (cost, weight, volume, and efficiency) which, when considered in the total ship environment, provide superior performance at a competitive cost compared to traditional shipboard generators. Emphasis has been placed on adapting commercially developed fuel cell technology to meet Navy/Marine requirements including operation in a salt-laden air, reforming and purification of naval logistics fuel, ship motion, shock and vibration. Fuel Cell Energy Inc., under an ONR contract. is adapting its commercial direct carbonate fuel cell technology for use with naval logistics fuels to provide power suitable for ship application. This paper provides a description of the fuel cell system and details of the installation and planned operation of the unit at the Philadelphia test site.

Challenges Facing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology to Replace Combustion Engines

2013 ◽  
Vol 724-725 ◽  
pp. 715-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Calay ◽  
Mohamad Y. Mustafa ◽  
Mahmoud F. Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Cell Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Technology ◽  
Heat Engines ◽  
The Future

In this paper; technological challenges and commercialization barriers for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell are presented. Initially, the criteria that must be met by the energy source of the future is presented from the point of view of the authors. Sustainability, high energy content and combustion independence are recognized as the main decisive factor of future fuels, which are all met by hydrogen, consequently the application of fuel cells as combustion free direct energy converters of the future. Fuel cell technology as an alternative to heat engines is discussed in the context of the current status of fuel cells in various applications. Finally, the challenges facing fuel cell technology to replace heat engines from the commercial and research points of view are presented and discussed supported by current trends in the industry. It is concluded that there have been several advancements and breakthrough in materials, manufacturing and fabricating techniques of fuel cells since the eighties, many of these challenges which are associated with cost and durability still exist when compared with the already matured technology of internal combustion engines. Any effort to achieve these goals would be a significant contribution to the technology of the fuel cell.

An Economic Analysis of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plants

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Pourmovahed ◽  
Hamid Nejad
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Payback Period ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Power Load

Fuel cells are often credited for being quieter, cleaner, more reliable and more efficient than traditional power plants. They may be used as the primary source of power or as a back-up system with significant benefits. They have potential for producing financial savings when used to produce electricity. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a 250-kW stationary fuel cell system as the primary provider of electrical power at an industrial facility. Additionally, the cost and payback period for such a system including hook up and maintenance were estimated. The biggest drawback to stationary fuel cells is the high initial cost. However, coupled with incentives such as rebates and cogeneration opportunities, select locations in the country may be suitable candidates for implementation. In addition, the type of application and power load cycle are key factors in selecting an appropriate fuel cell type. Most fuel cells favor operating continuously as they are not designed to withstand intermittently changing loads and their efficiencies and life time drop if they are cycled on and off. The only currently viable option is to select a facility located in a “fuel cell friendly” state with a minimum (base) electric demand of 250 kW, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. The fuel cell would operate based on a “base load strategy”, providing electrical/thermal energy at a constant rate. A detailed economic analysis was carried out. It indicates that the payback period for a currently available large stationary fuel cell system installed in California is over 20 years in Los Angeles and about 15 years outside Los Angeles. This is primarily due to lower electric rates in Los Angeles. Despite multi-year programs providing various funding to assist this new technology, without significant cost reduction by fuel cell developers, no large-scale economic deployment of stationary fuel cells will be viable.

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