Fuel cell technology may contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy use. In a fuel cell the fuel is converted directly to electricity by oxidation with air in an electrochemical process. The fuel might be hydrogen, natural gas, other hydrocarbons or alcohols. Powered by hydrogen the fuel cell produces only water in addition to electricity and heat. The efficiency of a fuel cell may be higher than traditional power conversion utilizing combustion technologies. The low operation temperature and higher efficiency of the fuel cell may contribute to significant reductions in local emissions of CO2, NOx, CO and VOC. With no moving parts the fuel cell of the future may provide advantages in terms of maintenance, less noise and increased reliability. In a future energy scenario, where an increasing part of the energy stems from renewable sources, the fuel cell is expected to play a key role in several areas of application.
The challenges within this field are dominated by the fuel cell’s limited life-time and their high cost. SINTEF offer a wide range of services in this area.
Important topics are:
Low temperature fuel cells
- PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells) and AFC (Alkaline Fuel Cells) with hydrogen as fuel
- Materials development (bipolar plates, electrodes)
- Micro-modelling
- Advanced testing and evaluation of single cells and small stacks
- Prototype development
High temperature fuel cells
- SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells) for direct conversion of natural gas
- Material development (ceramic components, bipolar plates)
- Testing of single cells
- Micro-modelling
- Stack-modelling
- System-modelling (SOFC+Gas Turbine-solutions, process and dynamic behaviour)
- Studies of fuel cells and their interaction with other components in the energy system, especially for stationary and maritime applications.
- Courses and seminars to accommodate needs in industry.
- Market studies
Market segments for Fuel Cells
Within 10 years fuel cells are expected to penetrate parts of the market for passenger vehicles. Fuel cells have a potential for replacing batteries in portable electronics (with methanol as fuel) and conventional technology (e.g., gas boilers) for smaller stationary applications (powered by natural gas). It is expected that introduction in the two latter markets will be realized before series production of fuel cell powered passenger vehicles commence.
This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of competing technology in these market segments is by far higher as shown in the figure below.
