TECHNOLOGY
POLYMER
ELECTROLYTE
FUEL CELLS
Reformate Fuel Cells
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Air-breathing Fuel Cell Stacks
Adiabatic Fuel Cell Stacks
FUEL
PROCESSING
HIGH-TEMPERATURE
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ASSOCIATED
TECHNOLOGIES
Advanced Chlor-alkali Reactors
PEM
Sensors
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Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology is widely considered the
most suitable for transportation and portable power applications.
These types of fuel cells have low operating temperatures, high
power densities, and high energy-conversion efficiencies. Car manufacturers
already use these types of fuel cells in their newest electric vehicles,
and bus fleets in Chicago and parts of Canada are already powered
by polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Electrochemical fuel cells cleanly and efficiently
convert the chemical energy of hydrogenated fuels directly into
electrical energy. Like a battery, a fuel cell consists of two electrodes
separated by an electrolyte made of a thin polymeric membrane. But
unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not need recharging. It will
continue to produce electricity as long as fuel flows through it.
For a complete description of the science behind fuel cells, please
consult the article on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells at http://education.lanl.gov/RESOURCES/H2/gottesfeld/education.html.
The research areas below represent the range of
polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology currently under development
by Los Alamos scientists and engineers:
Reformate
fuel cells represent the progress made to develop fuel cells
capable of operation with a range of hydrogen-containing fuels.
Direct
methanol fuel cells can use unreformed methanol to power
portable electronic devices and have been demonstrated as an alternative
to rechargeable cellular phone batteries.
Air-breathing
fuel cell stacks are particularly promising as a low-voltage
power source in a reliable, compact package.
Adiabatic
fuel cell stacks improve on traditional fuel cells by simplifying
their overall design and raising efficiency levels.
Fuel Processing
Fuel
processing research aids the development of fuel cell systems
for power generation for transportation and stationary applications.
The overall goal is to reduce greenhouse gases by increasing energy
conversion efficiency and
reducing pollutant emissions.
High-Temperature Electrochemistry
Solid oxide fuel cells
High-temperature sensors
Associated Technologies
PEM
Sensors
Los Alamos researchers are using their experience with polymer electrolyte
membranes to develop new technology for the detection of chemical
warfare agents. Their detectors will be small enough for use in
portable and remote detection systems.
Advanced
Chlor-Alkali Reactors
Development of new industrial chlor-alkali production techniques
promises important energy savings. Los Alamos is responsible for
modified chlor-alkali reactors that operate up to 30 percent more
efficiently than industry-standard membrane reactors and produce
no unnecessary byproducts.
Further Reading
Low-Temperature
Fuel Cells at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LALP-02-6)
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