Benefits of Fuel Cells

Chapter six considers the impact of fuel cells on power generation. One concept is to use hydrogen cars as mobile power sources. Other topics include the benefits of fuel cells, coal gasification, solar, wind and nuclear power. 

In this chapter, three applications of this model are demonstrated. The comparison of different reforming concepts reveals the advantages of direct internal reforming (DIR) in the anode channel of the fuel cell. Moreover, with the help of the proposed model, the benefit of fuel cell cascades can be demonstrated and they can be compared to single cells. Results indicate that a considerable power increase can be expected, but the additional hardware required might offset any benefit in the case of smaller systems. The third application demonstrates that anode gas recycle can be simulated with this model, but it also reveals its limitations, as temperature effects are not considered. 

What are the benefits of fuel cells, as compared to batteries and other standard" power sources such as fossil fuel power plants ... 

Fuel cells used for portable applications are one of the most recent and promising areas that have attracted global interest and have become a promising alternative for niche applications. In addition, fuel cells can offer a higher power density and longer life span compared with batteries for portable applications (Apanel and Johnson 2004). Reliability is another important factor where the benefits of fuel cells outweigh those of batteries. 

A key benefit of fuel cells is that of theoretically high-energy efficiency when compared to conventional chemical combustion systems. When used in combined heat and power generation systems, particularly for the high temperature fuel cells, very high efficiencies can be achieved. 

In order to fully utilize the benefits of fuel cell systems and the power they deliver, and ensure stable reliable operation, proper control during... 

Hagey, G., Marinetti, D., Mueller, E.A., Status of fuel cell system development/Commercialisation and future systems energy, environmental, and economic benefits, pre-prints International Conference, Next Generation Technologies for Efficient Energy End Uses and Fuel Switching, Dortmund, 7-9. April 1992. 

Based on input assumptions to be described below, these two models are used to calculate the costs of fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure and estimate the benefits in terms of reductions in C02 emissions and oil consumption. 

The UK Fuel Cell Vision Paper also focuses on demonstrations to prove the economic and technical feasibility of fuel cell technology and build awareness of fuel cells benefits. Also, the government-sponsored Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) will ensure that UK industry is fully involved in the shift to low-carbon transport, providing a forum for all stakeholders to work towards this goal. 

Research to reduce the liquefaction costs for hydrogen could potentially benefit its cost of shipment by truck, ship, or rail, but could also be advantageous for storage at plant sites to guard against unplanned shutdowns. The committee views this research as more appropriate for nearer-term investment, since this mode of shipment could dominate in the early stages of fuel cell vehicle introduction. 

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