PPT Slide
Future Implications of Fuel Cells
- Portable fuel cells have the real potential of being profitable in a shorter time span than either stationary or automotive fuel cell applications.
Notes:
Micro fuel cells use methanol as a fuel source. They can produce approximately 1/10 of a watt and can recharge conventional batteries
Micro fuel cells will not be able to use H as a fuel source because it is a gas, must be compressed at very high temps, and requires tanks too large for portable electronics. Methanol/water mixtures are more easily stored in a small fuel cell, but using them creates new engineering problems. To manage liquid fuel, tiny pumps and pipes are required. Then there’s the waste water, so fuel cells must evaporate the water. All fuel cells create heat. The small versions operate at anywhere from 15 degrees C to 60 degrees C. While this provides a means to evaporate waste water, it also required the right balance of insulation and venting.
Micro fuel cell would be able to provide .
cell phones with 20 hours of talk time and instead of plugging them in to recharge, just snap in a new methanol cartridge.
Electrolux has even begun technologies for a cordless fuel-cell vacuum cleaner
Eventually microchips will be directly powered by built-in fuel cells. These fuel cells will provide a benefits to miniaturization by removing the need for separate power sources.. They will be custom designed to provide precise power needs.