First-generation fuels

While first generation fuel cells continued to be of interest, the present goal of the DOE s Fossil Energy fuel cell program is to develop low cost fuel cells. The target cost is 400 per kilowatt or less, which is significantly lower than today s fuel cell products. It is expected that lower cost fuel cells will result in more widespread utilization. 

Bowlan, P. and Hanoley, L.M., in "First Generation Fuel Cell Powerplant Characteristics,"United Technol. publication, Nov. 1977. 

Subsequently, the first generation fuel processor prototype described above was linked to a meso-scale high temperature PEM fuel cell developed at Case Western University by Holladay et al. [600], which was astonishingly tolerant towards carbon monoxide up to 10 vol.%. Thus, no CO clean-up was necessary to run the fuel processor together with the fuel cell. A power output of 23 mW was demonstrated by Holladay et al. [599]. This value was lower than the calculated value of 100 mW, which was due to a lower hydrogen supply of the reformate (more than 99% conversion of 0.03 mL h methanol could be achieved at a 420 °C reformer temperature), lower cell voltage of the fuel cell by the 2 vol.% carbon monoxide present in the reformate and a dilution effect by carbon dioxide at the gas diffusion layer material of the fuel cell. 

As described herein, electrochemical studies of hydrogenases have been crucial in developing a mechanistic understanding of both the catalytic cycle of the enzyme and its oxidative inactivation. In turn, that understanding has been exploited in the constmetion of enzyme-based first-generation fuel cells and hydrogen production... 

Current C02 capture technology (first generation) is adapted from gas separation processes already in industrial use. There are several technologies and strategies to capture C02 from stationary sources pre-combustion, post-combustion and oxy-fuel (Figure 2). 

In 2010, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the first series-production car of the B-Class F-Cell vehicle. This F-Cell will contain the next generation fuel cell engine with a redesigned stack that is 40 percent smaller and produces 30 percent more power. 

High Temperature Operation of the PEMFC The first generation of commercial PEMFCs will use presently known components, consisting of a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane as electrolyte and catalyst compositions as cited above. The electrolyte determines that the fuel cell needs to be operated at fully humidified conditions and limits the operating temperature to 80-90 °C. 

First generation biofuels are a direct substitute for fossil fuels in transport and can readily be integrated into fuel supply systems. They may also help prepare the way for further advanced developments, such as hydrogen. Although most biofuels are still more costly than fossil fuels their use is increasing in around... 

Now that the first generation of nuclear power plants is well established, more attention is being focussed on the R D required to ensure that nuclear power can continue to contribute to the energy supply for the foreseeable future. Two areas which are interdisciplinary but involve a large chemical input are waste disposal and fuel recycle. 

Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) use liquid phosphoric acid as an electrolyte - the acid is contained in a Teflon-bonded silicon carbide matrix - and porous carbon electrodes containing a platinum catalyst. The PAFC is considered the "first generation" of modern fuel cells. It is one of the most mature cell types, the first to be used commercially, and features the most proven track record in terms of commercial applications with over 200 units currently in use. This type of fuel cell is typically used for stationary power generation, but some PAFCs have been used to power large vehicles such as city buses. 

For batteries, teamed-out costs for first-generation 500 kW plants. Later-generation technologies and/or larger plants are expected to be less expensive. For fuel cells and phomvnluiics. cost will decrease as manufacturing production increases. 

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