Fuel Cells-A promising energy source for hybrid generation.

[ashifur_08]

Fuel cells are an old technology. Problems have plagued their introduction. Present material science may make them a reality soon in specialized applications. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell appears to be the most promising technology for small electric power plants over 1 kw. The Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell appears to be the most promising as a battery replacement for portable applications such cellular phones and laptop computers. It is difficult to tell at this moment whether fuel cells will be practical for transportation applications such as automobiles and buses or whether hybrid or electric vehicles will be more popular in the future. It is unclear whether hydrogen fuel will be widely used or whether a mostly electric economy will develop. Fuel cells are analyzed theoretically using the carnot ratio which, it is explained, applies to both heat engines as well as fuel cells. A simple second law analysis shows where the loss of efficiency in different fuel cells occurs.
Source: http://www.benwiens.com/energy1.html

[Debangshu Paul]

I was once interested to work on this topic. Renewable energy field intrigues me