Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicles: Fuel and Refueling Infrastructure Issues and Solutions

摘要

The fuel cell vehicle technology is advancing rapidly and is on track for commercial introduction by 2004-5 with earlier demonstration fleets in selected locations. Methanol continues to offer the easiest liquid fuel to reform and to be the most likely commercial choice for light duty consumer applications. However, fuel infrastructure concerns remain the greatest threat to this market opportunity. Although liquid methanol requires the least change to the existing gasoline delivery system, development of this vehicle fuel will require a cooperative effort by a broad range of interests. On the surface this may seem unlikely, but when reviewed in depth several current suppliers could have broad common interests in supporting this fuel cell market. This paper will explore these issues in more detail.