Post on 04-Apr-2018
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
1/12
1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 736-5738
info@fchea.org www.fchea.org
Supporting Sponsor:
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
2/12
Portable PowerFuel cells in action
Big power, small package
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
3/12
What are Fuel Cells?Fuel cells generate electricity and will doso as long as fuel is supplied. Fuel cells arequiet, clean, and highly efficient becausethey use an electrochemical process not combustion to convert fuel directlyinto electricity. Fuel cells can operate ona wide range of fuels, from hydrogen tonatural gas and propane, from methanoland ethanol to even chemical and metalhydrides.
Many of these fuels can be derived from renewable
sources: methane from biomass for example, or hydrogen
from solar or wind power. Wind and solar technologies
generate intermittent electricity, but they are not always
on; for instance solar panels do not generate electricity
at night, and wind turbines cannot generate electricity
when there is little or no wind. Fuel cells can solve this
problem by converting power generated by wind and
solar into hydrogen using a simple electrolyzer. This
hydrogen can then be stored and used in a fuel cell
whenever power is needed.
Fuel cells enhance the performance and efficiency of
all types of fuels, even fossil fuels.
How dofuel cells work?Fuel cells generate electricity from
a simple electrochemical reaction;
harnessing the chemical attraction
that hydrogen has for oxygen to
generate electricity, water, and
heat. Portable fuel cells mostly use
proton exchange membrane (PEM)
technology. There are two sides to
a typical PEM fuel cellan anode
and a cathodeseparated by a thinmembrane. As fuel passes through
the system, electricity is captured
and water is formed as a byprod-
uct. PEM technology is fuel flexible,
and can use direct and reformed
methanol fuels, direct and
reformed borohydride fuels, hydro-
gen fuels and formic acid fuels.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are
also being developed for portable
applications. SOFCs are a particulartype of fuel cell that uses an inor-
ganic solid ceramic oxide as the
electrolyte between the anode and
the cathode. There are various
advantages of each fuel cell type, as
they range in operating tempera-
ture, materials, fuel, and applications.
quiet, clean
and highly
efficient
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
4/12
Demand for PowerIn a world where the simplest consumer mobile phone hasmore computing power than NASA had on board the firstmoon-lander, consumers and their personal electronics are hungry for power.
Growth in demand for personal power
has been nothing short of amazing. In
1990, the average American needed
only 500 Watt-hours of power for cell
phones and other portable devices
(enough to keep a 100-Watt light bulb
on for five hours). Today, Motorola
estimates each of us on average needs10,500 Watt-hours: for cell phones,
music players, cameras, game players
and many other devices we use at
work, at home and in our leisure time.
The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) estimates that nationwide, more
than six percent of annual utility
energy is used to power the more
than 2.5 billion power devices used for
charging consumer products such as
cell phones, PDAs and the like. Power-ing these devices with clean, efficient,
portable fuel cells will reduce grid
power demand and pollution.
But, it is not just our cell phones
that need power. No longer a luxury,
Increasingly, in all these applications
and many others, portable fuel cells
offer a competitive advantage in a
market worth well over $100 billion.
The reason is simple: batteries cannot
provide enough power, run long
enough, or charge fast enough. Fuel
cells are new to these markets, butdemand is growing. One independent
analyst estimates portable fuel cell
sales will reach $2.3 billion by 2016, a
10-fold increase in just five years.
portable electricity is increasingly an
essential part of our day-to-day lives
for needs such as:
emergency power for industrial
sites, stores, offices and homes;
emergency lighting and assured
communications for first respon-ders and medical professionals;
life saving power for our military,
including unmanned vehicles, air
conditioning, refrigeration and
lighting in the field, and power
for individual service
members personal equip-
ment;
playtime power for RVs,
boats, campsites or
tailgates; and
power for garden equipment
and hand tools.
Projected batterymarket growth
an estimated $2.3billion dollar marketby 2016
Fuel cells can compete for the entire
battery market and have distinct
advantages in many applications
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
5/12
What is a Portable Fuel Cell?
Micro fuel cellsMicro Fuel Cells are a type of portable
fuel cell. Micro fuel cells are very small
and easily carried by hand. Their power
and energy is limited to low voltageand lower power applications such as
consumer electronics. Standards and
regulations for micro fuel cells are dif-
ferent than for standard portable fuel
cells since their voltage and power is
so low.
Fuel cartridges andfueling options
Fuel cartridges for portable fuel cell systems are
designed to safely deliver fuel for a portable con-
sumer product. Fuel cartridges all feature a valve,
which opens to allow the fuel out only when con-
nected to the fuel cell system. Fuel cartridge valves and con-
nectors self-close if removed from the fuel cell system, preventing
a partially-used cartridge from leaking.
Many options are available for filling and refilling fuel cartridges.These solutions range from one-time use and disposal to exchang-
ing an empty fuel cartridge for a full one, to self-filling automated
refilling at kiosks or filling stations. For some systems, a consumer
can or will be able to plug a fuel cartridge into a fuel cell system
to provide power and replace it when empty. These cartridges are
or will be designed in a few standard sizes/configurations and will
be widely available from stores or even vending machines.
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association defines portable fuel cells as systemsthat are easily transported or wearable, not permanently fixed, and capable ofgenerating up to 3,000 Watts of power. Portable fuel cell systems include both a fuelcell and a source of hydrogen or hydrogen rich fuel, typically in a fuel cartridge, whichcan be refilled or replaced. The market is large, well-established and growing withsales of several hundred million units per year.
These systems can be stand-alone devices orintegrated into other electronic devices.
Stand-alone portable fuel cells generate
electricity that is used directly as a source
of energy. For example, at a campsite,
combustion generators typically are used
to power camping equipment such as
stoves, but are loud and release toxic
fumes. A fuel cell used as a generator
would provide silent and clean power.
Integrated portable fuel cell systems are
hybrid systems that include a fuel cellalong with another power source, like a
rechargeable battery. In these hybrid
systems, the battery can supply the initial
high power demands of start-up, while the
fuel cell can provide extended runtime
the system will run as long as there is fuel,
and refueling can be done
in a matter of seconds.
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
6/12
Applications forPortable Fuel CellsPortable fuel cells are beneficial because they can be used with, instead of, oras back-up to other types of power, be it battery or the grid.
Unique and Creative Power AlternativesPortable fuel cells are very useful in areas where grid power
is non-existent, unavailable or unreliable. Some portable fuel
cells are hydrogen-powered generators with power outputin the 45- to 2,000-Watt range. These systems can be life-
savers in natural emergencies such as hurricanes, earth-
quakes, fires and ice storms. These systems can provide
reliable, high quality power in non-emergency situations
too, such as at remote construction sites or even as a cost-
effective solution for lighted trade show displays.
Battery SupportPortable fuel cells can be used to improve the performance
of battery-based systems used when grid power is
temporarily unavailable or unreliable. In this situation,
portable fuel cell systems keep batteries charged quietlyand efficiently. In leisure markets such as boating,
recreational vehicles, or camping, this means the comfort
of power without the noise of conventional generators.
In emergency response, military, law enforcement, trans-
portation safety, and surveillance markets, fuel cells bring
the benefits of longer run time and smaller, lighter,
quieter systems.
Battery ReplacementPortable fuel cells can replace batteries in many applications.
This includes a wide variety of devices such as television
cameras, robotics, portable flashlights, cell phones, hearing aids,laptop computers, tools, remote controlled devices,
unmanned vehicles on land, sea and air, personal vehicles,
equipment for training and field operations, portable radios,
surveillance, and drug enforcement activities.
Unique and Creative Power AlternativesThese applications are varied and numerous, including wireless
multi-media systems, indoor surveillance, contaminant-free
environmental sampling, barcode scanners, and other
consumer devices. Unique applications for fuel cells are
being explored at a rapidly expanding pace.
providing quiet, reliable,high quality power
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
7/12
What are the
Benefits of Portable Fuel Cells?Portable fuel cells are a clean, efficient, reliable, and cordlesstechnology used for convenient power generation.
Convenient, On-Demand PowerPortable fuel cells can be used anytime, anywhere, without the need to plug a device into an electrical
outlet. Commercially available portable fuel cell systems are predictable, boast continuous runtimes,
and produce power output that does not degrade. This fact that fuel cells do not run down is one
of their most significant benefits. They provide power as long as fuel is supplied. Portable fuel cell
systems are powering devices off-grid without the environmental issues, bulk, noise or weight
penalties of batteries and/or generators.
Green TechnologyPortable fuel cells also have environmental benefits. Portable devices which are growing significantly
in numbers are plugged into household sockets to get power from the grid or to recharge. Grid
power supplies are highly inefficient, as low as 17-20%, and devices are often left plugged in, still
drawing power, even when it is not turned on. Grid power is often derived from resources that
pollute. In countries like the U.S., 55% of grid power is generated from burning coal. The result is
more power demand, more pollution, and a larger electric bill for the consumer. Clean, efficient
fuel cells address these problems in the best possible way by eliminating the need for
dependence on grid power.
Life-Cycle GreenPortable applications of fuel cells not only reduce energy consumption through increased efficiency,
but also reduce transmission losses because the power is generated close to the source of demand.
The electricity that charges a cell phone battery, for instance, may be generated far from the point of
use, and it must be transformed in order for it to travel through high voltage transmission lines. This
transformation and transmission of the electricity causes loses that would be eliminated if the
electricity were being generated where it was being used. Additionally, fuel cells generate much lower
emissions than power generated via combustion, so there are fewer smog causing emissions and
greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
Portable fuel
cells can beused anytime,
anywhere
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
8/12
Green JobsCommercializing portable fuel cell systems will produce jobs in development, manufactur-ing, marketing, sales and service. Most batteries today are manufactured overseas; fuel cells
have the potential to be made in the U.S., bringing jobs back home. But those jobs are not
guaranteed, as there is an intense international competition. A stronger public investment in fuel
cells will allow America to keep its lead, and capture its share of green jobs, profits and energy security
benefits.
No Cords NeededFuel cells allow consumers to enjoy a truly wire-less experience, carrying replacement fuel cartridges
instead of power cords and adapters. By simply inserting a new fuel cartridge, in some systems even
while the device continues to operate normally, a fuel cell will be recharged and able to run for many
more hours.
Safe UseThe fuel supplied to portable fuel cells is from an external source (the fuel cartridge); while a batterys
active materials must be stored inside the battery. Because of this, fuel cells have safety advantages over
batteries, in that nothing will happen under even abnormal conditions such as an external short, over-
charge or overload during a recharging process.
Light WeightPortable fuel cartridges have a significant weight and volume advantage over batteries. Portable fuel
cartridges carry higher energy content than any current battery, which means less weight and less bulk
for the same energy supply. In order to double a fuel cells run time, a user only needs to double the
amount of fuel (cartridges), rather than carrying a heavy second battery.
Life Saving PotentialLong run times, instant refueling capability, silent operation and light weight compared to batteries all
add up to systems that can save lives. Power for first responders, such as ambulance and medical teams,
firefighters, and other emergency response personnel, is critical. When peoples lives depend on it, a
power supply that can be more mobile and last longer is a big plus.
Convenient, clean, safe power on-demand.Green technology, creating green jobs.
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
9/12
Military Applications
The military has power needs that are quite different from commercial or
residential applications. In a combat setting, stealth is of the utmost
importance, since noise and heat signatures can be used to locate
military personnel. Fuel cells have no moving parts and are extremely
quiet with a low noise signature, making them more difficult to
detect by remote infrared scanning. Batteries give off significant
heat, but fuel cells can operate close to body temperature,
reducing their heat signature. Due to their scalability and power out-
put capabilities, fuel cells have been demonstrated and tested for
use in numerous military applications. See the side-
bar for more information and
applications for portable fuel
cells in all branches
of the military.
Possible militaryportable applications: Individual service members power needs
of sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, etc.
Field electronics such as computers &phones
Camp & squad power
Transportation including manned andunmanned vehicles for tactical combat,base/local transport, and support.
Fuel cells have the potential to dramatically change how the military carries out itsmissions, and how service members operate in the field. With the largest, mosttechnologically advanced military in the world, the U.S. armed services use an immenseamount of fuel and electricity, and any use of alternative energy would have positiveeffects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to their environmentalsavings, fuel cells are of particular interest to the military because of unique technicalfeatures that can aid service members in the field.
quiet, lightweight,uninterrupted power
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
10/12
Military Applications
Unmanned Aerial VehiclesUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are remote
controlled or self-piloted aircraft that can be used
to collect surveillance data or deploy weapons, all without
putting service members in harms way. UAVs have been used
since the 1950s, but technological advances have made UAVs an
invaluable resource for modern warfare. Fuel cell powered UAVs
can increase flight duration, are smaller, more flexible, and allow
for more persistent surveillance, and improved search and rescue
capabilities.
Unmanned Ground VehiclesFuel cell power systems have also proved advantageous for
unmanned vehicles on land, or UGVs. UGVs are remote
controlled vehicles that can gather surveillance information while
keeping service members safe. To be useful, UGVs need to have a
long enough range to get to mission critical areas, and they need
to be able to power the necessary on-board electronics to
gather data. Fuel cells have demonstrated dramatically increased
range and mission time compared to batteries in UGVs, and
achieved these improvements at a fraction of the cost.
Silent Watch/Silent CampFuel cell power systems can be used in silent watch and silent
camp operations. As the name suggests, silent watch is whensurveillance activities are undertaken in a stealth manner, and
silent camp is when the whole camp goes dark and quiet. Fuel
cells can be used in these instances to provide quiet power to
on-board electronics of vehicles as well as provide reliable
electricity to camps at a heat level far less detectable
than batteries.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Naval ShipsFuel cells offer increased capabilities to naval forces, as fuel cells
can meet the unique power requirements of unmanned
underwater vehicles (UUVs). UUVs can provide the warfighter
at sea with greater underwater surveillance and mine counter-measure capabilities not otherwise available.
Fuel cells are also important to the future of naval ships as
they can increase fuel efficiency, while reducing fuel cost and be
deployed in a distributed configuration. Currently, the engines on
surface ships are located in a single, centralized spot, and if the
engine is taken out or destroyed, the ship is disabled. Fuel cells
can provide a decentralized shipboard power source
allowing for greater design flexibility, while also increasing
survivability in combat.
Military Need for Power. Modern military systems use an increasing amount of
power. The military is considering fuel cells to lighten
the load that service members must carry while alsoextending run time and providing uninterrupted power.
Advanced electronics are needed for modern missions.The batteries that power them today are heavy, and
need to be replaced daily, and then recycled or safelydisposed of. During Operation Iraqi Freedom forexample, battery supplies barely met demand.
Lives depend on the products workingfuel cells have
no age-related downtime and do not degrade overtime. They are uninterruptible power supplies.
Warfighters need power to operateincreasingly sophisticated equipmentand weaponry.
Warfighters may carry anywhere from 50 to 100pounds in their packs, depending on mission andproximity to camp. Up to half of the weight maybe batteries.
Modern missions rely on advanced electronics, and lessweight needed for power means more capability forthe warfighter.
During missions, warfighters already have a lot to
contend with, and worrying about whether their elec-tronics have enough power should not be a concern.
Forward bases need power foroperations and defense.
Conventional generators are noisy and hot, andexpose camps to detection because of high noise andheat signatures.
Supplying fuel is difficult and expensive. Oil sources
and prices are volatile, and lack of supply can limit
operations. Batteries are heavy and need recharging. Local grids
can be unreliable or vulnerable.
Missions can be unpredictable and last much longerthan anticipated, requiring backup power for longerperiods of time.
Logistics of moving and carrying fuel can limitcombat operations.
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
11/12
Looking ForwardContinued innovations in fuel cell technology willbring more powerful, reliable and lightweight fuelcells to power the future.
ConclusionsThe portable fuel cell industry has made great strides in advancing fuel
cell technology and preparing the marketplace for commercialization.
Portable fuel cells are bringing power to market for use in applicationsthat are becoming more and more necessary to our daily lives. Creative
application of these fuel cells is almost unlimited in possibilities.
Transforming
the energynetwork
Fuel cell technology will continue to improve in
the coming years to be smaller, more powerful
and even more reliable. The most significant
innovation that will occur will be the continued
miniaturization of fuel cells, both in storage of fuel
and in the system itself. As storage possibilities for
hydrogen and other fuel sources of fuel cells isimproved, the systems will become even more
lightweight and will provide longer runtime. In
addition, as fuel cells themselves continue to be
miniaturized, they will be able to be integrated
into electronic devices far more easily.
Fuel Cell &Hydrogen Energy
AssociationThe Fuel Cell and Hydrogen EnergyAssociation (FCHEA) is the advocacy
organization dedicated to the com-
mercialization of fuel cells and hydro-
gen energy technologies. FCHEA and
its membership are at the forefront
of efforts to transform the energy
network, fundamentally altering the
way energy is generated and used.
Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies
are being commercially deployed
today to solve critical problems in ourenergy infrastructure and deliver
clean, reliable power to leading edge
corporate, academic and public sec-
tor users. FCHEA's membership rep-
resents the full spectrum of the
supply chain from universities, govern-
ment laboratories and agencies, trade
associations, fuel cell materials, com-
ponents and systems manufacturers,
hydrogen producers and fuel distrib-
utors, utilities and other end users.
For more information about theFCHEA, visit:www.fchea.org
7/29/2019 PortablePowerBrochure.march 2011.Final
12/12
Pocket folder