Robust progress has been made in fuel cell technology since the previous edition of the Fuel Cell
Handbook was published in January 1994. Uppermost, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, molten
carbonate fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells have been demonstrated at commercial size in
power plants. The previously demonstrated phosphoric acid fuel cells have entered the
marketplace with approximately 185 power plants ordered. Highlighting this commercial entry,
the phosphoric acid power plant fleet has demonstrated 95+% availability and several units have
passed 40,000 hours of operation.
Early expectations of very low emissions and relatively high efficiencies have been met in power
plants with each type of fuel cell. Fuel flexibility has been demonstrated using natural gas,
propane, landfill gas, anaerobic digester gas, military logistic fuels, and coal gas, greatly
expanding market opportunities. Transportation markets worldwide have shown remarkable
interest in fuel cells; nearly every major vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., Europe, and the Far
East is supporting development.
Still in its infancy, fuel cell technology development offers further opportunities for significant
performance and cost improvements. To achieve 100% successful commercial-scale
demonstration, more aggressive pre-testing may be needed to ensure more robust cell
technologies. Deficiencies in funding for research and development and for commercial
demonstration place tremendous pressure on fuel cell developers.
Handbook was published in January 1994. Uppermost, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, molten
carbonate fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells have been demonstrated at commercial size in
power plants. The previously demonstrated phosphoric acid fuel cells have entered the
marketplace with approximately 185 power plants ordered. Highlighting this commercial entry,
the phosphoric acid power plant fleet has demonstrated 95+% availability and several units have
passed 40,000 hours of operation.
Early expectations of very low emissions and relatively high efficiencies have been met in power
plants with each type of fuel cell. Fuel flexibility has been demonstrated using natural gas,
propane, landfill gas, anaerobic digester gas, military logistic fuels, and coal gas, greatly
expanding market opportunities. Transportation markets worldwide have shown remarkable
interest in fuel cells; nearly every major vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., Europe, and the Far
East is supporting development.
Still in its infancy, fuel cell technology development offers further opportunities for significant
performance and cost improvements. To achieve 100% successful commercial-scale
demonstration, more aggressive pre-testing may be needed to ensure more robust cell
technologies. Deficiencies in funding for research and development and for commercial
demonstration place tremendous pressure on fuel cell developers.
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