The alternative fuel industry is gaining great importance in today’s world of rising oil prices. There are many new technologies emerging in this area and various types of fuel cells have been developed. Fuel cells convert energy like hydrogen into electricity, a clean fuel, which does not emit pollution in the air. This has proven to be a good change in life for many people in the world. A vehicle that is powered with a device which gives off little or no emissions is good for the world as it is environment- friendly and it will also reduce global warming.

There are different types of fuel cells developed using modern technologies. One of them is a polymer exchange membrane fuel cell which was developed by the Department of Energy. Polymer exchange membrane fuel cell has a high power density at low operating temperatures of 140 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Low operating temperature allows the fuel to warm up fairly soon to begin generating electricity. Understandably, the Department of Energy is interested in promoting it as a means of alternative fuel for transportation facilities.

Hydrogen is the main source of fuel in many fuel cell technologies that are being researched nowadays. The polymer exchange membrane fuel is one such option. It is being looked at as the most prominent option to be used as an alternative fuel generator for cars.

Another type of fuel cell is the methanol fuel cell, which is similar to the polymer exchange membrane fuel cell because it operates on low operating temperature. However, it is not very efficient. Methanol fuel cells use platinum in large quantities as a catalyst. Platinum is a precious metal, thus making it expensive to run them. In the near future, researchers of this technology may find the ways and means to overcome these problems and develop a cost effective alternative to make it cheaply available to the consumers.

There are many problems associated with fuel cells. For instance, most of the components used are expensive and hence they defeat the purpose in terms of costs involved. To be cost effective and to withstand the market competition, they have to be priced at $35 per kilowatt. Presently however, the production price is $ 110 per kilowatt, that works out to $75 more than gasoline powered vehicles. This is an expensive proposition.

Fuel cell technologies have difficulty operating in different weather conditions. The membranes must be hydrated enough to allow tranference of the hydrogen protons . Hydration is lost at about 80 degree Celsius, without a high pressure hydration system. Researchers therefore have to find a way to develop a fuel cell system that can operate in sub-zero temperatures, high temperatures or humid conditions.

The future of fuel cell technology is bright and there are great improvements in the field every day. Hopefully, very soon these tiny fuel cells may give us a cost-effective alternative to the gasoline powered car.




By: Abhishek Agarwal

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