The nation seemed to be humming along at a steady pace, but on September 11th we were suddenly faced with re-evaluating, refocusing, and re-energizing in preparation for an uncertain future. Instead of accepting the norm, we began looking for alternative solutions. In particular, Americans became more interested in ensuring the stability and reliability of our energy supply.
But what will this interest mean? The public will demand more input, control, and choices. People will strive for energy independence and expect that the environment will be protected. While solutions will not be immediate, fuel cells will play an increasingly important role.
What Are Fuel Cells?
They are efficient, reliable power generating devices that can be used as alternative energy sources for schools, industrial facilities, office buildings, vehicles, and homes. They generate power by directly converting chemical energy into technology to create power without the use of combustion. Their only emission is pure water which makes them safe, quiet, and extremely clean.
An amateur English physicist invented fuel cells more than 150 years ago, but it wasn’t until people began to venture into space that fuel cells found their first practical application. Needing a reliable source of electricity—and drinking water—NASA turned to fuel cells. The fuel cell technology for US manned space missions dating back to the Apollo program was developed in Connecticut.
There is no generic size for fuel cells. Instead, their size is determined by potential applications and can therefore vary dramatically. For instance, portable devices such as cell phones, video cameras, lap-top computers, and vacuum cleaners would require fuel cells ranging from the size of a pencil tip to the size of a small lunch box. In contrast, fuel cells for automobiles, bikes, scooters, golf carts, and wheelchairs would range in size from that of a cooler to a car engine. Fuel cells for commercial and residential uses are anywhere from the size of a stove to the size of a bus.
Why Are Fuel Cells Necessary?
There are four main reasons why it is highly desirable for the US to develop fuel cell technology:
Greater energy security and independence. Mechanical breakdowns, storms, growing demand for energy generation, and political conflict throughout the world could hinder the steady stream of electricity we expect and rely on. Fuel cells offer a viable alternative, particularly for systems requiring 24/7 operation.
Distributed generation of energy. Distributed generation is the concept of having many smaller power systems instead of one giant one. Efficiency would largely be improved as a result of the close proximity of power generation, the reduced investments necessary for disbursement, and the reduction in harmful pollution that centralized distribution systems traditionally produce. A similar move was made by industry years ago from large, centralized mainframe computers to individual desktop units—imagine life without that technological advance now!
Opportunities for economic development. Each new fuel cell company creates jobs which foster economic growth. Jobs evolve directly from the manufacture, design, installation, servicing, and marketing of fuel cells—but they also arise indirectly from businesses that offer transportation, equipment, and professional services.
Unlimited applications and uses. The possibilities and uses for fuel cells are boundless. Along with the obvious large-scale uses, smaller potential applications exist too. In fact, it is expected that, in the near future, fuel cells will power cell phones, laptop computers, lawn mowers, and perhaps even vacuum cleaners.
Connecticut’s Role in Fuel Cell Technology
Fuel cells are an important part of Connecticut’s energy future. The Clean Energy Fund (CEF), created in 1998 by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by Connecticut Innovations, invests in enterprises responsible for the development of sustainable energy. The fund is actively promoting fuel cell commercialization. To date, CEF:
Has committed more than one-third of its budget over five years to the development and deployment of fuel cells.
Has committed funding for two sustainable and renewable energy education and research facilities—Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center at the University of Connecticut with a $3.5 million challenge endowment and the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic with a $3.5 million challenge grant.
Has funded the development and installation of a fuel cell system, produced by FuelCell Energy, Inc., for a new building located at the University of Connecticut’s Mansfield campus.
Has funded a fuel cell, produced by UTC Fuel Cells, to be used at South Windsor High School to enable the school to be used as an emergency shelter in the town’s disaster-relief plan.
Has provided financial support to Proton Energy Systems, Inc. to accelerate the company’s commercial deployment of Proton’s UNIGEN® fuel cell product family.
The state is home to a number of small start-up fuel cell research and technology development companies, as well as three major fuel cell manufacturers—UTC Fuel Cells of South Windsor, FuelCell Energy of Danbury, and Proton Energy Systems of Rocky Hill. These companies have recently made great strides:
The Connecticut Juvenile Training School in Middletown recently installed a 1.2 MW fuel cell system—the largest single installation of fuel cells in the world. The fuel cells were provided by UTC Fuel Cells which also installed two smaller 200 kW units at the casino operated by the Mohegan Tribe.
In October 2001 a deal valued at some $6.2 million, was reached by the Naval Research Laboratory and Proton Energy Systems, Inc. to apply its technology to advanced space propulsion and energy systems.
Also in October 2001, FuelCell Energy, Inc., of Danbury received an order from PPL Spectrum, Inc., for the purchase of a 250 kW Direct FuelCell® ("DFC®") power plant for the US Coast Guard Air Station in Bourne, Massachusetts.
The Northeast as a Piece of the Renewable Energy Puzzle
While Connecticut has taken the lead, there is a strong movement throughout the northeast to advance fuel cell technology. As the industry grows, we can expect to see more businesses established to follow the path being pioneered by companies such as Acumentrics Corp., of Massachusetts, H Power of New Jersey, JLG Industries of Pennsylvania, Millennium Cell of New Jersey, and Plug Power, LLC, of New York.
Cutting-edge research is happening at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Worcester Polytechnic Institution in Massachusetts. The recent establishment of the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center at the University of Connecticut will help advance the research and development of fuel cells.
Additionally, northeast states have several initiatives established for making clean energy possible. At least one of the following policies—a renewables portfolio standard, a system benefits charge, or a requirement that electricity suppliers disclose fuel mix and emission information—has been mandated throughout many states in the region.
Global Advancement and Involvement
Globally, fuel cell technology has been earning more recognition and support. Japan is actively pursuing development and installation of fuel cells. China and India are also looking to fuel cells as a clean and viable alternative for automobiles and on-site generation applications.
In Guangzhou, China, a UTC fuel cell is being installed at an electrical farm equipment facility.
DaimlerChrysler unveiled a fuel-cell-powered Town & Country minivan, "Natrium," in December 2001 which uses New Jersey based Millennium Cell’s Hydrogen on Demand system.
Ballard Power Systems Inc., a maker of fuel cells, and Osaka Gas are developing stationary power generators for the Japanese residential market.
In the U.S., a "national energy plan" is perched as a top issue before the Senate for 2002 and fuel cell development is supported by many federal and state government officials. US Representative Nancy Johnson, who recently presented a bill in the 107th Congress to provide tax credits for the home or business purchase of fuel cells, said, "Central to any sound energy policy are incentives for conservation and alternative energy sources, because our fossil fuel supplies won’t last forever. Developing such cutting-edge technologies as fuel cells will reduce our reliance on foreign oil, give consumers greater choice, stabilize energy prices and benefit the environment at the same time."
Fuel cell commercialization is not a distant idea any more—in fact in several instances it is here today. However, technology development, testing and deployment requires continued financial and community support.
Where would we be today without taking chances? Moreover, where would we be without supporting technology that can shape the future? Imagine having had the opportunity to support such a revolutionary invention as the light bulb, but not having the interest to take the chance on a new invention! Our support is needed now more than ever to ensure we become an energy independent society.
Subhash Chandra, Ph.D., is the Managing Director, Technology at the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
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