Techno-economic challenges for PEMFCs & DMFCs entering energy sector

S. Srinivasan, R. Dillon, L. Krishnan, A. S. Arico, V. Antonucci, A. B. Bocarsly, W. J. Lee, K. L. Hsueh, C. C. Lai, A. Peng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) have been in the forefront of all fuel cell technologies for transportation and portable power applications. This is mainly because of the quantum/semi-quantum jumps in these technologies. However, there are several techno-economie challenges for these types of fuel cells to enter the energy sector. The cell structures and operating principles of PEMFC and DMFC are similar to each other. However, techno-economic challenges for PEMFCs are significantly different from those for DMFCs, due to their applications, associated competing technologies, global market, and manufacturing environment. Both types of fuel cell are close to entering the energy sector now, more than ever before. Significant reduction of PEMFCs capital cost and miniaturization of DMFCs are two critical issues. Intense research and development efforts are needed with respect to (i) finding better and less expensive electrocatalysts and proton conducting membranes (ii) optimization of structure and composition of membrane and electrode assemblies, (iii) automation of techniques to fabricate cell and stack components, and (iv) finding efficient and cost effective methods for thermal and water management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
Subtitle of host publicationFirst International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
Pages529-536
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)0791836681, 9780791836682
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
EventFirst International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology - Rochester, NY, United States
Duration: Apr 21 2003Apr 23 2003

Publication series

NameFuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology

Conference

ConferenceFirst International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityRochester, NY
Period4/21/034/23/03

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Fuel Technology

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