Alkaline Fuel Cells for Road Traction

摘要

Alkaline fuel cells are efficient performers with an excellent pedigree of high reliability and good life. While the AFC's used in space applications are complex and costly, the terrestrial versions, operating as hybrid systems with a buffer battery, are not. Furthermore, the AFC does not rely on high volume manufacture to reduce the cost to an affordable level since the materials are inexpensive and the processing is straightforward. Use of the AFC in a hybrid mode removes the need for complex system management because the power output from the fuel cell does not have to respond to the immediate demands of the vehicle. This cost-effective system is an ideal way of providing rapid refuelling for a whole range of commercially available, battery powered electric vehicles.