Aspects of fuel cell development and commercialisation

Abstract

The principle of the fuel cell was discovered in the 19th century and the first viable prototypes were constructed almost 50 years ago. Over the last 10 years, interest in commercial exploitation of this phenomenon has increased dramatically and the industry has moved from pure research to a development and early market-introduction phase. This paper will show the present stage of development, both commercial and technical, of fuel cells, for instance reporting on the challenges remaining to be solved and on the number and type of fuel cells actually produced. It will examine some of the issues surrounding the introduction of fuel cell technology into the industrial or consumer mainstream and the questions that will influence whether the current leading technology, platinum-based proton exchange membrane units (PEMFC) will be adopted or indeed whether fuel cells will be able to displace current incumbent technology.

Keywords:

• FUEL CELLS
• PEMFC