Next-generation fuel cell, powered by biodiesel-based hydrogen, nears commercialization
In Norway, researchers at Caltech, SAFCell and Norway’s Nordic Power Systems have developed a diesel- or biodiesel-powered electric power supply unit, based on a fuel cell that is not dependent on hydrogen filling stations, and that can run on regular, easily available fuel without surrendering the environmental benefits of fuel cells. In trials, a 200-W solid-acid fuel cell ran on both pure hydrogen and on hydrogen produced from diesel by the unit’s reformer — with only an insignificant difference in performance.
The reformer converts hydrocarbons into hydrogen, CO2 and heat. Due to the unit’s high efficiency, CO2 emissions are substantially lower than in conventional combustion engines, and no other demonstrable exhaust is discharged — meaning that diesel particulates, black carbon soot, nitrous oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) are eliminated. The group said that having demonstrated that solid-acid technology is workable, they will test a larger 1.2 Kw unit and ready themselves for commercial development and launch by 2011.
Category: Fuels
