Abstract
This chapter reviews the basic technology and potential application of fuel cells in the provision of energy, and the fundamental principles which would underpin the wider use of hydrogen as an energy source for fuel cells (‘Hydrogen Economy’). Hydrogen’s strengths and weaknesses as an energy carrier are examined, and the current development and commercialization of PEFC and SOFC type fuel cells in transport and domestic combined heat and power systems reviewed.
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Notes
- 1.
F is the Faraday Constant, 96485 C/mol.
- 2.
This may be confusing for a reader who has learned that the theoretical efficiency of a fuel cell, Δr G/Δr H, decreases with increasing temperature. There are two reasons for the high efficiency of SOFC. One is the small activation polarization in the electrode processes at high temperatures. Another reason is related to the thermodynamics of hydrocarbon fuels. When methane is used, for example, it is first reformed to hydrogen using water as CH4 + H2O = CO + 3H2. Since this reaction is endothermic, heat must be obtained by using a part of fuel in the PEFC, but with a SOFC, high temperature waste heat can be used for the reforming reaction, increasing overall efficiency.
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© 2015 Springer Japan
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Kawada, T. (2015). Fuel Cells for Efficient Use of Energy. In: Tanaka, Y., Norton, M., Li, YY. (eds) Topical Themes in Energy and Resources. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55309-0_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55309-0_4
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