Fuel Cells in the Energy Supply of Households

Abstract

The article explains the principle and options of micro-cogeneration of heat and power (μCHP) and presents the different technologies. The environmental and primary energy aspects of cogeneration of heat and power will be addressed and the advantages of fuel cells in μCHP systems, so-called fuel-cell heating appliances. The most common fuel today for fuel-cell heating appliances is natural gas. Therefore fuel-cell heating appliances will be considered in the context with natural gas. Advantages and disadvantages of different process technologies in fuel-cell heating appliances will be presented in this article. Furthermore, it will be shown how a fuel-cell heating appliance can be integrated into a dwelling. Examples of different business models and motivation for the usage of fuel-cell heating appliances will be discussed. As well, options of how to integrate renewable energy sources will be considered. Finally, the current status of the development of fuel-cell heating appliances and an outlook will be given.