Fuel Cell Demonstrator efficiency

Stationary Fuel Cell Demonstration Project. In order to estimate the efficiency and identify the problems of commercialization of stationary PEFC, this project operates 31 stationary fuel cells in various sites such as residential areas, heavy traffic areas, and seaside areas. It will also evaluate various fuel types (i.e. natural gas, LP Gas and kerosene). The budget allocations for 2002-2003 total 1.8 billion the 2003 allocation is 1.3 billion. 

Imagine if we could extract significantly more useful energy out of our precious fuel resources Think how remarkable it would be to carry out combustion processes at efficiencies not possible in even the most sophisticated heat engines. These are not empty dreams. Such a device was first demonstrated in 1839. Called a fuel cell, this electrochemical device may eventually reshape major energy use patterns throughout society. 

There is a major potential for energy conservation in transportation, by increasing the energy efficiency of automobiles. The recent commercialization of hybrid vehicles, which combine electric and gasoline motors, demonstrates how much more efficient automobile transport can be. Hybrid power systems deliver double the fuel efficiency of conventional engines. Moreover, as fuel cells are perfected, even greater energy efficiencies may be achieved. 

Fuel cells can be highly efficient in generating electricity on-site as well as providing waste heat. Building applications are in the demonstration phase and offer security of electricity supply. 

Recent reports describe the use of various porous carbon materials for protein adsorption. For example, Hyeon and coworkers summarized the recent development of porous carbon materials in their review [163], where the successful use of mesoporous carbons as adsorbents for bulky pollutants, as electrodes for supercapacitors and fuel cells, and as hosts for protein immobilization are described. Gogotsi and coworkers synthesized novel mesoporous carbon materials using ternary MAX-phase carbides that can be optimized for efficient adsorption of large inflammatory proteins [164]. The synthesized carbons possess tunable pore size with a large volume of slit-shaped mesopores. They demonstrated that not only micropores (0.4—2 nm) but also mesopores (2-50 nm) can be tuned in a controlled way by extraction of metals from carbides, providing a mechanism for the optimization of adsorption systems for selective adsorption of a large variety of biomolecules. Furthermore, Vinu and coworkers have successfully developed the synthesis of... 

One of the applications for hydrogen is for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. As mentioned earlier, one application is a hydrogen fuelled hybrid fuel cell / ultra-capacitor transit bus program where significant energy efficiencies can be demonstrated. Another commercial application is for fuel cell powered forklifts and other such fleet applications that requires mobile electrical power with the additional environmental benefits this system provides. Other commercial applications being developed by Canadian industry is for remote back-up power such as the telecommunications industry and for portable fuel cell systems. 

This edition of the Fuel Cell Handbook is more comprehensive than previous versions in that it includes several changes. First, calculation examples for fuel cells are included for the wide variety of possible applications. This includes transportation and auxiliary power applications for the first time. In addition, the handbook includes a separate section on alkaline fuel cells. The intermediate temperature solid-state fuel cell section is being developed. In this edition, hybrids are also included as a separate section for the first time. Hybrids are some of the most efficient power plants ever conceived and are actually being demonstrated. Finally, an updated list of fuel cell URLs is included in the Appendix and an updated index assists the reader in locating specific information quickly. 

Early expectations of very low emissions and relatively high efficiencies have been met in power plants with each type of fuel cell. Fuel flexibility has been demonstrated using natural gas, propane, landfill gas, anaerobic digester gas, military logistic fuels, and coal gas, greatly expanding market opportunities. Transportation markets worldwide have shown remarkable interest in fuel cells nearly every major vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., Europe, and the Far East is supporting development. 

FCE plans to demonstrate a molten carbonate fuel cell/turbine hybrid system in late 2000. The balance of plant equipment employed in the 250 kilowatt test at ERC s facility will be modified to accommodate a fuel cell and a gas turbine. The turbine is to be powered by waste heat from the fuel cell. The goal of the test is to demonstrate that the hybrid system will realize high efficiencies. This activity is a part of the U.S. DOE Office of Fossil Energy Vision 21 Program. 

Several high-value niche markets drove early fuel cell technology development. These were the use of fuel cells for on-board electric power in space vehicles and to demonstrate that fuel cells are an efficient, environmentally-friendly technology for stationary on-site commercial power. 

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