Cost Reductions Will Hasten Fuel Cell Commercialization.Business Editors/Automotive Writers PALO ALTO Palo Alto, city, California Palo Alto (păl`ō ăl`tō), city (1990 pop. 55,900), Santa Clara co., W Calif.; inc. 1894. Although primarily residential, Palo Alto has aerospace, electronics, and advanced research industries. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 2003 The commercial viability of the fuel cell, the clean and quiet technology, is heavily dependant on Adj. 1. dependant on - determined by conditions or circumstances that follow; "arms sales contingent on the approval of congress" contingent on, contingent upon, dependant upon, dependent on, dependent upon, depending on, contingent cost reductions that assume greater significance as worldwide concern for rapidly depleting non-renewable fossil fuels fossil fuel: see energy, sources of; fuel. fossil fuel Any of a class of materials of biologic origin occurring within the Earth's crust that can be used as a source of energy. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. increases. Fuel cell costs are augmented by a few factors. These systems use expensive heat resistant materials that enable smooth functioning in very high temperatures, and they rely on precious metals Precious Metals Valuable metals such as gold, iridium, palladium, platinum, and silver. Notes: Investing in precious metals can be done either by purchasing the physical asset, or by purchasing futures contracts for the particular metal. , such as platinum, as catalysts. Moreover, conversion of available fuels to hydrogen requires expensive reformers. "At present, it is far less expensive to use power from the grid and other traditional sources," says Technical Insights Analyst Jayanthi Kamalaratnam. "Non-traditional fueling infrastructures are needed, which translate into high costs." All fuel cells are either powered by fuels that are converted to hydrogen, or they are powered by hydrogen itself. This appears to be an advantage, because hydrogen is an abundant element with the potential to replace fossil fuels as an energy source. Still, this element has its drawbacks. It is expensive and currently requires high costs for storage and delivery. The infrastructure required to launch a full-scale hydrogen economy does not currently exist, and setting up a hydrogen fueling network further increases the expense of fuel cell systems. Hydrogen is usually stored under high pressure, is relatively heavy, and does not lend itself to convenient refueling. Storage in liquid form requires high energy to ensure safety. As the storage tanks are relatively large, liquid hydrogen Liquid hydrogen is the liquid state of the element hydrogen. It is a common liquid rocket fuel for rocket applications. In the aerospace industry, its name is often abbreviated to LH2 or LH2. is not suitable for use in automobiles. In transportation systems, converting non-hydrogen fuels, such as natural gas and ethanol ethanol (ĕth`ənōl') or ethyl alcohol, CH3CH2OH, a colorless liquid with characteristic odor and taste; commonly called grain alcohol or simply alcohol. , to hydrogen adds bulk and expense. "Hydrogen storage
Hydrogen storage is the main technological problem of a viable hydrogen economy. Some attention has been given to the role of hydrogen to provide grid energy storage for unpredictable energy sources, like still remains a significant challenge as the fuel has a very low energy density at normal ambient Surrounding. For example, ambient temperature and humidity are atmospheric conditions that exist at the moment. See ambient lighting. conditions, making its storage difficult in any mobile storage vessel," says Kamalaratnam. "Researchers are investigating metal hydrides and carbon nanotubes See nanotube. as possible solutions." The success of fuel cells will depend on proactive consumer education and creation of awareness, as these power-producing systems are mostly used in consumer-oriented applications such as transportation systems and stationary residential and portable devices. Consumers need to be convinced that fuel cells are capable of providing environment-friendly electricity and are highly efficient and reliable in the long term. Assurances on proper infrastructure, and having qualified, skilled personnel to provide maintenance services are likely to boost market acceptance. Reducing cost remains the key commercial and technological challenge. New analysis by Technical Insights, a business unit of Frost & Sullivan (www.Technical-Insights.frost.com), Advances in Fuel Cell Technologies, details the technological breakthroughs, which are likely to make an indelible mark on the future energy sector. The analysis also provides invaluable information on major market participants The term market participant is used in United States constitutional law to describe a U.S. State which is acting as a producer or supplier of a marketable good or service. When a state is acting in such a role, it may permissibly discriminate against non-residents. , technology developers, key patents, and various restraints in the commercialization of fuel cells. Technical Insights will hold a conference call at 3:00 p.m. (EDT EDT abbr. Eastern Daylight Time EDT Eastern Daylight Time EDT n abbr (US) (= Eastern Daylight Time) → hora de verano de Nueva York EDT )/ 12:00 p.m. (PDT PDT abbr. Pacific Daylight Time PDT Pacific Daylight Time PDT n abbr (US) (= Pacific Daylight Time) → hora de verano del Pacífico PDT ) on Sept. 9, 2003 to provide a summary and analysis of the latest developments in fuel cells. Those interested in participating in the call are requested to send e-mail to Julia Paulson at jpaulson@frost.com with the following information for registration: Full name, Company Name, Title, Contact Tel Number, Contact Fax Number, E-mail. Upon receipt of the above information, a confirmation/pass code for the live briefing will be e-mailed to you. Frost & Sullivan is a global leader in strategic market consulting and training. Acquired by Frost & Sullivan, Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and reports. Ongoing analysis on fuel cell technologies is available in "Inside R&D Alert," a Technical Insights subscription service. Technical Insights and Frost & Sullivan also offer custom growth consulting to a variety of national and international companies. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press. Advances in Fuel Cell Technology D261 |
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