Fuel cells make their CPI moves
Fuel cells convert fuel gas and air electrochemically into power. The natural propensity of fuel gas at the anode side to react with air at the cathode side forces either the fuel gas or oxygen to ionize. The migration of the formed ions through the electrolyte induces an electric current, producing power. A bipolar plate segregates the reactant gases and provides an electrical connection between adjacent cells. The overall electrical efficiency of a fuel cell is 45--70% (LHV, or low heating value). The cogeneration efficiency, which also credits the additional steam and hot water produced, is 70--90% (LHV). These efficiencies are the highest of all available power-generation technologies. Most importantly, fuel cells can achieve these high efficiencies even at plant capacities as small as a few hundred kilowatts. Fuel cells are essentially pollution-free because they do not involve combustion. There are no waste-water discharges from fuel cell plants. These attributes make fuel cells ideal candidates for a new trend in power generation called distributed power generation. With distributed generation, many small scale factories, hospitals, shopping malls, hotels, airports, gas and water-pumping stations, office buildings, and other power consumers can produce their own electricity. The paper describes the three major types of fuel cells, their benefits, and their estimated cost to the chemical processing industry.
- OSTI ID:
- 110154
- Journal Information:
- Chemical Engineering, Vol. 102, Issue 8; Other Information: PBD: Aug 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Project brings fuel cell closer to utility use
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELL PRODUCT DESIGN IMPROVEMENT
Related Subjects
ACID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS
SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
CHEMICAL PLANTS
ON-SITE POWER GENERATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
PHOSPHORIC ACID
DESIGN
FUEL CELL POWER PLANTS
NATURAL GAS FUEL CELLS
HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS
ECONOMICS