Competitive power sources

Staff AP600—A Cost Competitive Power Source. Energy Digest, 4 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) (RefSeasonsFall 1991). 

The construction of fuel cells that are competitive power sources on the market depends upon a satisfactory compromise between five basic requirements ... 

Today s situation is virtually the reverse. No new nuclear power plants are under construction in countries that have a competitive electricity market Also, because of World Bank and other lenders reluctance to assist construction of nuclear plant, there are questions how many of the 25 or so reactors, now under construction, will be completed. In countries where public opinion matters, people perceive the risks, but see few benefits, whilst the electricity industry and governments, with a few exceptions, such as France and S. Korea, are too concerned about the vociferous opposition to this power source to do anything, but sit on... 

It is noticed that the improvement of solar cells is remarkable, and the efficiencies of Si-single crystal cell and the poly crystalline cell reach 17 % and 12.5 %, respectively. The average cost of solar cell module is 3 per watt, which can be competitive with other conventional power sources [8],... 

It has been a long time since the invention of the lead-acid battery, but it still represents the most important secondary chemical power source—both in number of types and diversity of application. The lead-acid battery has maintained its leading role for so many decades due to its competitive electrical characteristics and price and due to its adaptability to new applications. It is manufactured in a variety of sizes and designs, ranging from less than 1 to over 10 000 A h.206... 

Practical Utilization, Since the potential reserves of 235U are limited, some point will be reached where this power source no longer will be competitive with fossil fuels, synthetic fuels, solar power plants, etc.—unless the development of means for the practical utilization of plutonium can be achieved. An important element of nuclear fuel cost is the credit received from the sale or future utilization of plutonium after its recovery from spent fuel. The plutonium credit is realistic only if the plutonium is used for power production, since, at present, there are few commercial uses envisioned where it would yield a similar economic return. 

The DMFC is showing promise as a portable power source, but the bulky fuel is a problem (see several papers in Williams, 2002). Vehicle application of the DMFC is some way away. The advent of better ways of processing natural gas, for example the hydrogen mine, will cheapen methanol substantially, and move the DMFC towards a competitive position with the PEFC, which it does not yet occupy. There are no DMFC buses being demonstrated, and no DMFC stationary power plants for sale. 

Makkus, R.C. et al.. Use of stainless steel for cost competitive bipolar plates in the SPFC, J. Power Sources, 86, 274, 2000. 

The challenge for onboard generation of hydrogen is no less monumental. To be competitive with the internal combustion engine, the fuel cell engine must cost approximately 3,000. This means that for a 100 kW power source the onboard... 

The electrochemical power source business is rather fragmented, and most of it operates at a low profit margin because of intense competition. The research performed by this industry is estimated to be... 

Under the deregulatory circumstances of power market, nuclear power is required to be economically competitive for other power source. TEPCO is now progressing cost reduction of ABWR with other Japanese utilities. We adopt three approaches. The first approach is standardization, the second is design improvement that is useful for cost reduction, and the third is intelligent management. By using these measures, TEPCO intends 30% cost reduction of our next ABWR plants, compared with Kashiwazaki-Kariwa No. 6 7 of ABWR first plant. 

Because of the diverse nature of producing electrical energy from these different systems, it is not possible to clearly specify the necessary materials properties. However, the relatively simple microfabrication techniques available for conjugated polymers may enable the development of microscale power sources, with efficiencies proving to be competitive. On a macroscopic scale, conjugated polymers have also been extensively researched for batteries, capacitors, and photovoltaics [155]. 

The metal hydride-nickel cell, MH c/KOH/NiOOH, also makes use of the NiOOH cathode it replaces the Cd anode with a metal hydride, MH insertion alloy having its Fermi energy like that of Cd, well-matched to the LUMO of the aqueous KOH electrolyte. However, the H -ion diffusivity in the hydride is slower than that in the gelatinous Cd(OH)2, so it has a poorer rate capability at lower temperatures. On the other hand, it eliminates the heavy, toxic Cd to give a higher energy density (Wh/kg) and provides a safe power source for electric vehicles. However, a Zn/KOH/NiOOH cell of good cycle life may prove competitive. 

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