Fuel cell
There are several types of fuel cells. They are generally classified according to the type of electrolyte used or operating temperature. There exist low and high temperature fuel cells. Each has specific characteristics that make it better for some applications than others.
Low temperature fuel cells are AFC (Alkaline Fuel Cell), PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell), DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cells) and PAFC (Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell).
High temperature fuel cells operate at high temperatures between 600 and 1000 ° C. Two types have been developed, MCFC (Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell) and SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell).
Most research and development in the world are focused on PEMFC technology. The low operating temperature (<100 ° C) ensures a quick start and easy evacuation of heat produced. It is all solid and has a longer life span compared to liquid electrolyte fuel cells and its industrialization is easy and simple to carry out.
The market for fuel cells has been expanding in recent years driven by early markets. Technology now offers a valuable and competitive proposition with established technologies. By 2015, experts estimate that the global market for fuel cells will represent between 1 and 5 billion Euros.
The market for handling equipment is rapidly emerging in North America. Several U.S. companies already operate fleets of several dozen hydrogen-powered vehicles in their warehouses (hydrogen enables productivity gains estimated between 5 to 20%).
The emergency electrical power for isolated sites is also under development. Several hundred fuel cell systems have been installed in Europe and the United States. Japan has deployed recently more than 5000 cells for cogeneration in the residential sector.
For megawatt applications, Netherlands have brought, since July 2011, a stack of one megawatt at the site of Solvay in Antwerp. In North America, Ballard Power Systems is setting up several batteries of one megawatt.
Germany appears to be the country test for the transport applications. The partnership H2Mobility brings together the main energy and gas industrials. The aim of the project is to study the feasibility of deploying an infrastructure for production, transport and distribution of hydrogen for vehicle uses.
The major car manufacturers are planning to sell about 100 000 fuel cell vehicles per year as from 2015.
