Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices, converting chemical energy from a renewable or conventional fuel source, into electricity with no combustion and no moving parts; comprising two electrodes (anode and cathode) and an electrolyte. This makes fuel cells more simple, quiet and efficient than most other means of generating electricity. An efficiency as high as 83% can be attained by using fuel cells in, for example, a combined heat and power application.

Another advantage of fuel cells is that they are completely scalable. Fuel cells can provide any power or voltage needed, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, basically within three sectors:

• Stationary – in combined heat and power systems
• Transport – in auxiliary power units (APUs) for the transport sector; for example
       in trucks, cars and ships
• Portable – fuel cells can potentially replace batteries in portable devices such as
       computers, cell phones and PDAs

Many types of fuel cell technologies are being developed world-wide. The primary research is focused on two types of fuel cells:

• Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells / Proton exchange (PEMFCs)
     - in which a proton-conducting polymer membrane separates the anode and cathode
• Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)
     - the anode and cathode are separated by an electrolyte that is conductive to oxygen 
       ions

Danish companies and universities are engaged in developing fuel cell technology; from fundamental research, through component development and manufacturing, to systems and integration.