Fuel Cells: What are we waiting for? by Paul Aldretti

Imagine an energy technology that is fueled by the most abundant element in the universe, creates power without combustion, can be used in almost any application, and produces pure water as a by-product.

This isn't something out of "Star Trek". In fact, the first prototype was built by Sir William Grove, a Welsh judge and amateur scientist, in 1839. The technology is called the fuel cell and it has the potential to bring about a revolution in the way we power our vehicles, homes and buildings.

So How Do Fuel Cells Work? Although the details are a little confusing for most of us (balance any good equations lately?) the basic process is really very simple. Through a chemical reaction, hydrogen atoms are split and recombined with oxygen. The result is energy, water, and a small amount of heat. That's it - no moving parts, no combustion.

Of course, nothing is quite that simple. There are many different types of fuel cells. For the most part, their names come from the electrolyte involved in the process (Phosphoric Acid, Proton Exchange Membrane, Molten Carbonate, Solid Oxide, Alkaline - to name a few). Each operates with different efficiency and at different temperatures.

Advantages of Fuel Cells: Fuel cells offer many advantages over other energy sources. Increased power quality, efficiency and reliability. Low noise levels during operation. They can be placed in remote sites thereby eliminating unsightly transmission lines and other environmental issues.

Unlike other renewable energy technologies (such as solar and wind), they can operate all the time. Fuel cells can use a variety of fuels that contain hydrogen including natural gas, methanol, refined petroleum, methane and coal gasification products.

Increased Efficiencies: Because they produce electricity directly, fuel cells theoretically are capable of 100% efficiency. Today, fuel cells are operating at efficiencies greater than 70%. In comparison, power sources based on combustion produce usable energy at no more than 40% efficiency. That's because much of the energy produced by these engines is lost in the conversion from heat energy to mechanical energy. Because of this efficiency, fuel cells also produce a fraction of the emissions even when using similar fuels.

How Can Fuel Cells Be Used: Fuel cells have been used in specific applications for several years. For instance, they powered the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft; and, they are still used to generate electricity and provide water for the space shuttle. Even if you don't have a spacecraft, there are many practical uses for fuel cells.

Emergency Power: There has been great interest in fuel cells for back-up and emergency power applications. Because of their size, mobility and reliability, fuel cells can be deployed quickly for use in emergency situations. They can provide electricity for hospitals, fire stations and other facilities when power from the electrical grid is cut off. This is also useful for commercial applications that depend on clean, uninterrupted power. Fuel cells are so efficient that, even as a back-up power source, they can be run continuously thereby eliminating startup issues.

Commercial Buildings: In fact, the reliability and other benefits of fuel cells are so great that some companies are installing them as their primary source of power. The heat produced by fuel cells can also be used to warm water and buildings. The First National Bank of Omaha (home of many "First" credit cards) recently installed four fuel cell units for their 200,000 sq. ft. technology center. Bank officials estimated that power outages cost their company over $6 million per hour. The fuel cells provide 99.999995% availability.

Homes: Many homebuilders are either considering or actually installing fuel cells in new residential construction. These systems reduce the demands on utilities in high growth areas while providing reliable power for homeowners who have access to natural gas lines. They also can be used for homes built in remote areas. This eliminates the cost of providing other means of utility access. In some parts of the country, homeowners can sell excess power back to their local utility.

Transportation: One of the most promising applications for fuel cells is in transportation. Fuel cell hybrid cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles could greatly reduce air pollution and the resulting health problems. These vehicles operate by providing electricity generated by the fuel cell to small electrical motors that power each wheel independently. Several manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, General Motors and Daimler-Chrysler are investing in these vehicles today. Their partners include Exxon and Shell.

The Future of Fuel Cells: Amory Lovins of Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit research and educational foundation committed to fostering the efficient and sustainable use of resources, has suggested a future in which fuel cells serve as an independent means of energy. People would drive their fuel cell vehicles to work, provide power for the building, then at night, drive their fuel cell vehicles (or, mobile power stations) home and plug in there. This may sound far-fetched, but the U.S. military is now investing in fuel cell Humvees that will power military command posts and field hospitals. Arthur C. Clarke once said, "In any sufficiently advanced society, technology is indistinguishable from magic". Fuel cells are quickly becoming the best act in town.

Paul Aldretti works with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and leading companies in the development of integrated, consensus-based solutions to complex environmental issues.