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| Center for Fuel Cell Research and Applications |
Additional research is vitally needed to understand and evaluate the best potential uses for fuel cells in stationary applications. Examination of existing fuel cell demonstration projects through case study research is a straightforward way to learn more about the benefits and limitations of the technology. Many residential and small commercial demonstrations are ongoing due to government initiatives and support, but inadequately analyzed. In addition, many industrial and large commercial settings offer opportunities for cost effective use of the technology, especially those integral to industrial processes, where opportunity fuels are available, or where combined heat and power (CHP) opportunities exist. However, these applications are very poorly understood, and little is know regarding the suitability of fuel cells in many of these applications.
HARC desires to engage in understanding the diverse opportunities for fuel cells in the residential, industrial and commercial base of the Gulf Coast region. The goal of the research would be to develop basic technical information regarding a number of applications. The research will identify benefits and costs of the development through a pre-design engineering analysis of each application. The result would be a generic template describing the basic costs and benefits of each potential application. Ideally, specific partners with appropriate project sites could be consulted and included in each template. The analysis could overview the electrical and thermal requirements of the application, suggest a preferred fuel cell technology, including fuel cell vendor(s) whose products are best suited for the application. The template could also detail site specific needs and costs, and could address emissions benefits and permit issues.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 05/25/2006 9:46 AM |
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