Fuel Cells for Alternative Critical Backup Power

Abstract:
The first fuel cell experiments were completed in 1839 by Sir William Robert Grove. In the 1950s, General Electric developed fuel cells for aerospace applications. In the 1960s, NASA adopted fuel cell technology to provide safe, reliable power for space missions. Today, fuel cell manufacturers are producing commercial products for real-world applications, including personal electronics, industrial backup power, residential, light commercial and transportation applications. Fuel cell systems offer high efficiencies in a large range of sizes, from 10 watts to hundreds of megawatts. When systems are designed to produce heat and electricity, overall efficiencies of more than 80% may be achieved. Cleaner and more reliable than other incumbent energy sources, fuel cells offer many economic benefits and the opportunity for greater energy independence.