Fuel cells targets

DOE US (2007) Fuel cell targets, http //wwwl.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/mypp... 

The ability of the fuel cell to operate under a wide range of conditions with different system characteristics is described by the term fuel cell operational flexibility . Optimum fuel cell operational flexibility must take into account both specified conditions and an estimated amount of unexpected, or out-of-specification , conditions over the fuel cell target lifetime. Some of the conditions to consider include reactant composition and flow rates, operating and environmental temperature and pressure, humidification levels, peak load... 

Focusing specifically on stationary fuel cell targets, the overarching objective is to bring fuel cell and electrical power generators to commercial readiness... 

In July 1998, Toyota said it would try to have a fuel cell automobile ready by 2003, but later this target date was dropped. Toyota believed that there are major cost problems for onboard reformers and saw direct hydrogen as a big technical challenge. Still, it kept working in these areas and its FCHV (fuel cell hybrid vehicle) became the first vehicle in Japan to be certified under the Road Vehicle Act. 

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. 

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