Advances in stationary and portable fuel cell applications

Fuel Cell Technologies, Applications, and State of the Art. A Reference Guide

Fuel Cell Technologies, Applications, and State of the Art. A Reference Guide

Fossil fuels and the process of their exploitation and consumption have led to serious challenges and concerns in the field of energy and environmental issues. These challenges include; the security of supplying these fuels, the depletion of its resources and most importantly their impact on environmental pollutants and global warming. Therefore, providing practical solutions and adopting optimal policies in this field are necessary. The development of using renewable energies that are compatible with nature and the environment, producing less air pollution and are not terminate in the near future, can be the most important option to resolve this crisis. There are different tools to encourage replacing the fossil fuels with renewable energies. One of the most effective of which is to impose carbon taxes on polluting units that use these fuels. Furthermore, limiting the support and subsidies in the fossil fuel sector is another driver of this replacement. The present study is an attempt to investigate the existing relationships between the effects of these two tools among other variables on the development of renewable energy. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the applied policies and solutions and their results in order to develop renewable energy consumption, reduce environmental pollution and move towards sustainable development. The period of this study is from 2004 to 2014 and tit covers the selected countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which are the leaders in the field of environmental taxation and have higher ratio of environmental taxes to GDP compared to other OECD countries. The method used to analyze the model is the vector autoregression with panel data, which captures the interactive behavior and interactions among the variables. The two important applies tools of this model are impulse response functions and analysis of variance decomposition. The GMM estimator is also used to estimate the model. The findings show that carbon tax has a positive and significant effect on the development of renewable energy and the impact of carbon tax shock on renewable energy consumption is positive among the sample countries. Thus, the increase in carbon tax has had an immediate and increasing effect on the consumption of renewable energy. Also, imposing a carbon tax which makes negative impact on fossil fuel consumption by reducing carbon emissions, has positive environmental effects. On the other hand, the impact of fossil fuel subsidies on renewable energy is negative. Increasing fossil fuel subsidies and the shock caused by it will immediately reduce the consumption of renewable energy. In contrast to the carbon tax variable, which increases the cost of fossil fuel consumption, the fossil fuel subsidies reduce the price and increase the consumption of fossil fuels. Therefore, carbon tax and fossil fuel subsidies play important roles in replacing the fossil fuels with renewable energies.

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of 'social acceptance' and examine public opinions on climate change, renewable energy and fossil fuels in regional Australia. Understanding public opinion is critical given the need for governments to transition energy production away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy in order to meet obligations under the 2015 UN Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Design/methodology/approach This empirical study examines people's beliefs on climate change, attitudes towards energy and support for both renewable and non-renewable energy resources. A survey was developed and respondents (n= 325) were recruited face-to-face in a regional city in Northern Australia. Data was then analysed using IBM SPSS 20 software. Frequency distributions, cross tabulations and non-parametric tests were performed. Findings Respondent-completed questionnaires reveal positive attitudes towards renewable energy. Overall, respondents agree that climate change is occurring and that society has a responsibility to act to minimise its effects. Surprisingly, consumers who support coal-fired power show strong support for renewable energy, despite being undecided on the climate change issue and not perceiving a connection between electricity usage in the home and climate change. Consumers who are opposed to coal-fired power show low support for all fossil fuels, despite the fact that they will continue to underpin the Australian energy system for some time to come. In addition, demographic variables, notably gender and education, along with political affiliation, are associated with varying levels of support for particular energy technologies. Limitations The findings are based on a convenience sample of mostly urban North Queensland residents and hence is not fully representative of Queensland's population. The study is descriptive in nature and there is a need for explanatory research to validate key findings on demographics. Implications The research has several policy implications. The cost competitiveness of both solar and wind technology over coal-fired generation needs to be emphasised. Furthermore, altruistic appeals such as benefiting future generations may also be effective. Commercial marketing techniques may be useful in boosting support for emerging renewable energy resources, such as geo-thermal and fuel cell technology, amongst females. It is recommended that misconceptions about coal-fired power be addressed, for instance through community-based programs, if Australia is to make a transition to a low-carbon electricity market. Contribution This article represents an attempt to examine the attitudes of regional Australians towards a wide range of energy resources and show, by drawing on the literature on social acceptance, the key factors that underpin support for renewable energy.

Federal agency leaders are expressing growing interest in using innovative fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) technology at their sites, motivated by both executive branch sustainability targets and a desire to lead by example in the transition to a clean energy economy. Fuel cell CHP can deliver reliable electricity and heat with 70% to 85% efficiency. Implementing this technology can be a high efficiency, clean energy solution for agencies striving to meet ambitious sustainability requirements with limited budgets. Fuel cell CHP systems can use natural gas or renewable fuels, such as biogas. Procuring Stationary Fuel Cells for CHP: A Guide for Federal Facility Decision Makers presents an overview of the process for planning and implementing a fuel cell CHP project in a concise, step-by-step format. This guide is designed to help agency leaders turn their interest in fuel cell technology into successful installations. This guide concentrates on larger (100 kW and greater) fuel cell CHP systems and does not consider other fuel cell applications such as cars, forklifts, backup power supplies or small generators (<100 kW). Because fuel cell technologies are rapidly evolving and have high up front costs, their deployment poses unique challenges. The electrical and thermal output of the CHP system must be integrated with the building s energy systems. Innovative financing mechanisms allow agencies to make a make versus buy decision to maximize savings. This guide outlines methods that federal agencies may use to procure fuel cell CHP systems with little or no capital investment. Each agency and division, however, has its own set of procurement procedures. This guide was written as a starting point, and it defers to the reader s set of rules if differences exist. The fuel cell industry is maturing, and project developers are gaining experience in working with federal agencies. Technology improvements, cost reductions, and experienced project developers are making fuel cell projects easier to put into service. In this environment, federal decision makers can focus on being smart buyers of fuel cell energy instead of attempting to become experts in fuel cell technology. For agencies that want to pursue a fuel cell CHP this guide presents a four step process for a successful project. 1. Perform a preliminary screening of the energy needs energy costs and incentives. 2. Compare a detailed project plan. 3. Make a financing and contracting decision. 4. Execute the project plan including financing, installation, and operation. The simplest procurement method is designated funding for the outright purchase of the fuel cell CHP system, although this is usually not the most cost-effective option. This guide describes the following financing options: Power purchase agreement Energy savings performance contract Utility energy services contract Enhanced use lease Fuel cell CHP technology can help federal facility managers comply with agency objectives for reducing energy consumption and air pollution emissions. Fuel cells do not generate particulate pollutants, unburned hydrocarbons or the gases that produce acid rain. Fuel cells emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other, less efficient technologies and use of renewable fuels can make them carbon neutral. Fuel cell CHP technology can deliver reliable electricity and heat with high efficiency (70% to 85%) in a small physical footprint with little noise, making it a cost-effective option for federal facilities.

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction The Hydrogen Energy Chain Hydrogen Sources and Production Use of Hydrogen in Stationary and Mobile Applications Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Conventional Hydrogen Production Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas Hydrogen Production from Other Feedstocks Hydrogen Production with CO2 Capture CO2 Capture Novel Processes for Hydrogen Production with CO2 Capture Hydrogen Membrane Reactors Sorption-enhanced Reforming and Water-gas Shift Conclusions and Catalytic Challenges Electrochemical Hydrogen Production and Conversion Kinetics of the Electrochemical Hydrogen–Oxygen Processes Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) References

Kicking the Oil Addiction

Applied hydrogen storage research and development: A perspective from the U.S. Department of Energy

Novel energy station by natural fluid <scp> CO ₂ </scp>

The energy crisis is one of the most critical phenomena happening in today's world. The depletion of fossil fuels, the rise in oil prices, and the increase in power demand are the main causes of this problem. Concern over environmental conditions and human health make renewable energy one of the most viable alternative solutions to this crisis. Among various types of renewable energy, fuel cell technology shows a great potential in the electrical energy sector for several reasons, such as high efficiency, clean operation, and immunity to the adverse effects of weather conditions. Recent works prove that fuel cell technology is expected to be a better choice for distributed generation purposes. Distributed generation, which is installed near load centers, can moderate the stress of high electricity demand in the mainstream utility grid. This paper presents an overview of fuel cell technology, with emphasis on fuel cell types, characteristics, and applications. The differences among the various fuel cell types and the dynamic models of each type required for simulation are also discussed. Focus is given to the application of fuel cells in a distributed generation system, the requirements of a fuel cell-based generating system, and issues in distributed generation integration. The present study also discusses the power conditioning unit, which is an important component in the fuel cell-based generating system, as well as its control strategy. Discussion is likewise made on the use of suitable energy storage units for the fuel cell distributed generation system, with regard to battery types and storage control. By adding energy storage units to the fuel cell system, the capabilities of the existing generation system can improve system stability performance. Streszczenie. W artykule zaprezentowano przegląd technologii wytwarzania energii z wykorzystaniem ogniw paliwowych koncentrując sie na analizie roznych typow i ich zastosowan. Szczegolną uwage zwrocono na zastosowanie ogniw paliwowych w rozproszonych systemach wytwarzania energii. Analizowano tez uklad kondycjonowania energii oraz jego sterowanie. Wykorzystanie ogniw paliwowych w rozproszonych systemach wytwarzania energii elektrycznej - teoria, modelowanie i przegląd prac badawczych

Energy storage and conversion is a very important link between the steps of energy production and energy consumption. Traditional fossil fuels are a natural and unsustainable energy storage medium with limited reserves and notorious pollution problems, therefore demanding a better choice to store and utilize the green and renewable energies in the future. Energy and environmental problems require a clean and efficient way of using the fuels. Fuel cell functions to efficiently convert oxidant and chemical energy accumulated in the fuel directly into DC electric, with the by-products of heat and water. Fuel cells, which are known as effective electrochemical converters, and electricity generation technology has gained attention due to the need for clean energy, the limitation of fossil fuel resources and the capability of a fuel cell to generate electricity without involving any moving mechanical part. The fuel cell technologies that received high interest for commercialization are polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The optimum efficiency for the fuel cell is not bound by the principle of Carnot cycle compared to other traditional power machines that are generally based on thermal cycles such as gas turbines, steam turbines and internal combustion engines. However, the fuel cell applications have been restrained by the high cost needed to commercialize them. Researchers currently focus on the discovery of different materials and manufacturing methods to enhance fuel cell performance and simplify components of fuel cells. Fuel cell systems’ designs are utilized to reduce the costs of the membrane and improve cell efficiency, durability and reliability, allowing them to compete with the traditional combustion engine. In this review, we primarily analyze recent developments in fuel cells technologies and up-to-date modeling for PEMFCs, SOFCs and DMFCs.

Sustainability and energy self-sufficiency; overcoming the barriers

MOU signed on 25% renewable energy by 2025

As a clean and sustainable form of energy, Hydrogen Fuel Cells are regarded as a part of the key technologies of renewable energy. Hydrogen fuel cells, as the core of a new type of energy, can generate electricity solely by consuming the raw material water. During the process of energy generation, no chemical pollution is produced, which plays a key role in energy security and environmental protection. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of hydrogen fuel cell technology through literature study, focusing on the working principles, technical characteristics and application status of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells and anion exchange membrane fuel cells. It is found that hydrogen fuel cells dominate the market due to their high energy density and zero end-point emissions. However, their production process consumes high energy, and their instability imposes extremely high requirements on transportation and storage. Hydrogen fuel cells have indeed shown great potential in the field of environmental protection, but their commercialization process still faces some challenges. Fuel cell technology faces issues such as material stability and hydrogen leakage in practical applications. To promote the development of this technology, this article will start from analyzing the working mechanisms of different types of fuel cells and explore the future development prospects of materials.

Actions toward carbon-neutral society with fuel cell technology