Fuel cells are under consideration to replace traditional technologies
such as the internal combustion engines for transportation applications
because they are more efficient at converting chemical energy to electrical energy.
In the internal combustion engine, the chemical energy in the fuel is converted
into heat which is used to provide work to move the vehicle. The engine efficiency
is highly dependent upon the load. However, in the fuel cell the chemical energy
of the fuel is converted into electricity. The electrical energy is then converted
into work to move the vehicle using an efficient electric motor. Though conversion
efficiency varies with the type of fuel cell, the fuel-to-electricity efficiencies
are typically 40% – 50%. In stationary applications, the waste heat of the fuel cell
can also be used, resulting in higher overall efficiencies.
Fuel cells may also have applications in modern electrical power plants due
to their modular design, scalability, and rapid response to load changes. There
may also be advantages to more localized electricity generation