Fuels Cells and Climate Change: The Two Main Types of Fuel Cells for the Solution

The two main types of fuel cells are emerging into the market; they provide an important solution for climate change. Although there are other types of fuel cells in development, these two types of fuel cells (PEMFCs and SOFCs) garner the most research and development as of today. Once these fuel cells hit the markets, the companies behind their production will control the most important sector for renewable and sustainable energy (feel free to supply company/stock research tips in the comments). Referencing the annual RISO Energy Report by RISO International Labs in Denmark we'll examine the PEM fuel cell and the SOF fuel cell.

PEMFCs stands for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. These low-temperature (50-80C) operating cells convert hydrogen into energy and heat; their size makes them more suitable to replace car engines and variations for mobile devices (RISO, 2007). PMFCs' advantages include: 1) functionality at ambient temperature; 2) high power density; 3) quick to start up; 4) solid electrolyte. PEMFCs' disadvantages include: 1) high sensitivity to carbon monoxide; 2) water management; 3) limited durability; 4) low-temperature waste heat. High sensitivity to impurities, like carbon monoxide, is a threat that would basically bust the entire system.

SOFCs stand for solid oxide fuel cells. These high-temperature (600-1000C) operating cells can run on natural gas, biogas, and methanol; their size makes them more suitable for stationary application such as storage for a wind farm, solar panel array, or other forms of large energy production that could use the energy storage and large quantity of heat. SOFCs' advantages include: 1) internal reforming; 2) fuel flexibility; 3) high-temperature waste heat; 4) solid electrolyte; 5) very durable; 6) no noble metals. SOFCs' disadvantages include: 1) sealing problems; 2) low power density; 3) thermal cycling; 4) slow to start up. The major disadvantage is the need for a large enough location for customized installation; these won't be able to be cranked out of a manufacturing plant so easily.

The two industries that will become completely revolutionized will be batteries and electrical energy utilities companies. The PEMFCs fuel cells will create a shift in the battery industry similar to the shift from compact discs to mp3 players, from the typewriter to the word processor, from the landline to the cell phone, from kodak film to the digial camera. The SOFCs fuel cells would remove all doubt that renewable energy, like solar and wind could compete with cheap oil and gas. Create a renewable energy system that has geothermal generators, wind turbines, and solar panels to generate electricity; then store excess electricity into a fuel cell for later use; and the sustainable community with zero carbon emissions is born. Furthermore, utilities companies would have to get in on the action or become replaced by community owners. Be it in batteries or utility's companies, whole sectors will become obsolete- such that those not on board with fuel cells will find themselves sinking into obscurity.

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