Fuel Cells

ref: The Economist, 97/10/25, pp89-92

The priciples of the FUEL CELL were developed by William Grove in 1839. Fuel cell technology has recently (1995) received a boost due to developments in reducing the amount of platinum required for catalytic purposes by a process that multiplies the surface area available from a given mass. The process was originally developed to lower the cost of catalytic converters for gasoline engines.

    The five types are:
  1. The Alkali Cell. It is the most expensive and has been used on space vehicles. It enjoys the highest power to weight ratio.
  2. Molten Carbonate. Runs at about 600C. Can use methane. Does not need platimum catalyst
  3. Solid Oxide. Runs at about 1000C. Can use methane. Does not need platimum catalyst
  4. Type four. Runs at ?C. Needs platinum Catalyst
  5. Type five Runs at ?C. Needs platinum Catalyst

End to date, ams 990712