Fuel cell technology

Fuel cell technology is receiving significant attention in recent years because of its potential application as a highly efficient electric power generation system with low environmental impact. There are four fuel cell categories that are currently in use or under development: polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (SPFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The phosphoric acid is the only available technology that has been produced in approaching series production and has already accumulated a significant in-service experience. It is generally accepted that fuel cells are a viable alternative to the use of internal combustion engine and gas turbines for the electric power generation in the range of capacity from a few kW up to tens MW. At high power ranges (above 20 MW) fuel cells have to compete with well-established technologies, such as gas turbines, that have made great gains over the last decade, in term of efficiency, emission performance and capital cost. Presently the cost of fuel cell plants are still high, but the major technology development companies indicate that the prices will be driven down to the required level (1500 $/kW) by 2000, both through technology refinements and increase of production volume. Market analysis indicates that in Italy the fuel cells could find early applications in three primary areas: dispersed-type power by electric utilities, small-scale cogeneration in residential and industrial applications and electric transportation