Types of Fuel Cell
There are several different fuel cell technologies, each of which with attributes aligned with a particular set of applications. For example, in order to power laptops and mobile phones a number of firms have been developing Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs), miniaturising the system components and addressing key packaging issues in order to deliver dramatically longer run times than existing batteries.
In automotive applications, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being considered as a potential long-term replacement for internal combustion engines in prime power usage. The technology has to meet stringent cost targets before this application can become mainstream. An additional barrier is the desirability of using pure hydrogen as a fuel source, and the consequent requirement for generating, distributing and storing this gas; the difficulties and costs involved are likely to mean the so-called ‘hydrogen economy’ will not be realised for many decades to come.
In contrast, stationary power generation products based on fuel cells have been selling in niche markets for many years. These have mostly been systems of 100kW or above, where Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are highly applicable since they can use conventional fuels such as natural gas, propane or LPG rather than pure hydrogen. However, these systems have hitherto been very hard to down-scale to the level required by a single home, where around 1kW is an ideal size. Now, the vast market for such systems (small scale combined heat and power, or ‘microCHP’) can be opened up by Ceres Power’s technology.