11 - Research trends

Abstract

This chapter provides current and possible future trends for research on portable fuel cells. The particular characteristics of energy conversion in air-breathing fuel cells, that is, the exchange of matter with the ambient, the sensitivity to environmental conditions, and the separated location of energy conversion and storage, give rise to limitations and new possibilities for fuel cells as portable power generators. Fuel cells may overcome some limitations of present portable power technologies based on batteries, thanks to their high power density, flexible configuration, integration capability in different application types, and safety. Future research should tackle critical issues for fuel cells in portable applications, which should be able to attain reliable and durable responses under wide ranges of surrounding conditions. Research trends are summarized toward new catalyst materials with high activity and durability; membrane electrode assemblies providing capability to operate under wider ranges of humidification; models capable for accurate prediction and control of the behavior of the fuel cell and the energy storage; and cell configurations for more autonomous, reliable, and integrated portable applications.