Fuel cell generators, portable

The 1 kW Portable fuel cell generator is a fully automated power system that converts hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air directly into D. C. electricity. Water is the only by-product of the reaction. This fuel cell generator that operates at low pressures provides reliable, clean, quiet and efficient power. It is small enough to be carried to where ever power is needed. The BallardF 1 kWfuel cell generator provides DC electricity when used directly and AC electricity when used in conjunction with... 

There is considerable interest in the viability of fuel cells as power sources. While most FCVs rely on PEM fuel cells, portable applications are split between the PEM and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). Portable fuel cell applications are those under 1.5 kW and include such products as batteries for electronics and generators. 

Ballard Power Systems (2004a). Ballard Portable Fuel Cell Generator AirGen. Ballard Power Systems Inc. 

The use of fuel cells in the army is apparently cost effective in providing remote power. For instance, providing power to one army retraining site costs about U S 250 with fuel cells and U S 800 with batteries, but fuel-cell-based portable generators are still much more expensive than diesel generators available in the market [58]. 

Bossel U.G. (1999) Portable fuel cell charger with integrated hydrogen generator. Proceedings of the European Fuel Cell Forum Portable Fuel Cells Conference, Lucerne, pp. 79-84. 

To evaluate the performance of cells in a bundle, we built a stack consisting of 14 micro-tubular cells (Fig. 10.15). These 14 micro-tubular cells were arranged in 7 parallel and 2 serial rows. This stack was evaluated in a furnace using hydrogen as a fuel, and it successfully demonstrated 43 W, 37 W and 28 W power generation at temperatures of 700°, 600°, and 500°C, respectively (Fig. 10.16). Table 10.3 summarizes the results we have obtained from the stack evaluation. The maximum stack power densities were 478 W/ L and 239 W/kg at 700°C. These results demonstrated that micro-tubular SOFCs have a high potential for use as compact portable fuel cell generators. 

The second example describes distributed, mobile and portable power-generation systems for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells [106]. A main application is fuel processing units for fuel cell-powered automobiles it is hoped that such processing units may be achieved with a volume of less than 8 1. 

Micro-fuel cells using small tanks of hydrogen could operate mobile generators, electric bicycles and other portable items. Large 250-kW... 

Fuel cells can be used to power a variety of portable devices, from handheld electronics such as cell phones and radios to larger equipment such as portable generators. Other potential applications include laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video cameras—almost any application that has traditionally used batteries. These fuel cells have the potential to last more than three times as long as batteries between refueling. 

In addition to these smaller applications, fuel cells can be used in portable generators, such as those used to provide electricity for portable equipment. Thousands of portable fuel cell systems have been developed and operated worldwide, ranging from 1 watt to 1.5 kilowatts in power. The two primary technologies for portable applications are polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) designs. 

Portable fuel-cell systems are systems that produce electricity for devices with a performance ranging from several watts to 10 kilowatts. The heat produced in the process is a by-product that is normally not used. The system has, therefore, to be cooled down by fans or cooling surfaces, etc. A wide range of applications is possible for fuel cells from small electronic devices like camcorders, mobile phones, laptops, etc. to electric tools, back-up systems, or power generation on boats or caravans. 

Portable Self-Sufficient 12 Volt PEFC Power Source with Integrated Chemical Hydrogen Generator," U. Bossel, Pg. 742, Fuel Cell Seminar Abstracts, Courtesy Associates, Inc., November 1998. 

Technical progress as well as investments in PEMFCs for transportation, stationary, portable, and micro fuel cell applications has been dramatic in recent years. The present view is ophmistic for fuel cell power generation the status is presently at the field trial level, or early commercialization stage, moving into volume commercialization. Although commercially viable, niche PEMFC applicahons exist today, the first commercial mass markets for fuel cells are expected to be for handheld electronic devices, PCs, and other portable devices. 

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