Fascination with Fuel Cells

Sept. 1, 2000
I admit it. I'm fascinated with fuel cell technology. Call me a technical geek, but I just can't help myself. The applications for these devices seem endless. Although the basic technology for these unique energy sources has existed for nearly 150 years, it's only been in the last few years that people have seriously considered fuel cells as a power source for the future. As the push for "green energy"

I admit it. I'm fascinated with fuel cell technology. Call me a technical geek, but I just can't help myself. The applications for these devices seem endless. Although the basic technology for these unique energy sources has existed for nearly 150 years, it's only been in the last few years that people have seriously considered fuel cells as a power source for the future. As the push for "green energy" continues, we might soon see these devices powering our portable phones, cars, homes - and even the neighborhood electric power plant. Sound farfetched? Maybe not. Listen to this.

In the residential arena, Avista Labs, Spokane, Wash., is in the final stages of developing a 2kW distributed power plant for homes and businesses. The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell converts hydrogen to electricity without combustion. The systems cartridge-based design will allow end-users to easily remove and replace individual fuel cell cartridges while the power system continues to operate. How's that for convenience?

On the automotive front, Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada and XCELLSIS Fuel Cell Engines, Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, recently announced the successful conclusion of their fuel cell bus demonstration program with TransLink. Over the past two years, 110,000 passengers benefited from this technology by riding on one of three fuel cell-powered buses, which logged more than 41,600 miles.

On a larger scale, Chugach Electric Association, Anchorage, Alaska, recently installed a 1MW fuel cell array in Anchorage to provide electricity to the regions' largest U.S. Postal Service Center. The array was designed and manufactured by International Fuel Cell (IFC), South Windsor, Conn. - a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. Operating in parallel with the utility transmission grid, the fuel cell array serves as the primary source of power for the postal center. Excess power from the system feeds back into the utility grid. You have to admit the concept of selling power back to your utility is rather interesting.

In the big scheme of things, these are just a few of many fuel cell applications. The number of researchers, government agencies, and private corporations looking for that next technological breakthrough is impressive. Don't be surprised if we look back on these days as the advent of the fuel cell revolution.

About the Author

Michael Eby

Mike received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering in 1986 and an M.S. degree in engineering management in 1994 from the University of South Florida. He is currently a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Prior to joining EC&M as Editor-in-Chief in September 1999, Mike served as the Executive Editor of Transmission & Distribution World magazine for five years. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Content - Buildings Group in the Infrastructure & Intelligence Division at Informa. Before joining Informa, Mike held various engineering titles within the Substation and Transmission Engineering Groups at Florida Power & Light Co., Juno Beach, FL.

Mike was awarded the Southeastern Electric Exchange (SEE) Excellence in Engineering Award in 1993 and has received numerous regional and national editorial awards for his reporting and writing work in the electrical market.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.