Portable Power

8/18/2019 Portable Power

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Portable PowerFuel cells in action

Big power, small package


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What are Fuel Cells?Fuel cells generate electricity and will doso as long as fuel is supplied. Fuel cells arequiet, clean, and highly efficient becausethey use an electrochemical process – not combustion – to convert fuel directlyinto electricity. Fuel cells can operate ona wide range of fuels, from hydrogen tonatural gas and propane, from methanoland ethanol to even chemical and metalhydrides.

Many of these fuels can be derived from renewable

sources: methane from biomass for example, or hydrogen

from solar or wind power. Wind and solar technologies

generate intermittent electricity, but they are not always

“on;” for instance solar panels do not generate electricity

at night, and wind turbines cannot generate electricity

when there is little or no wind. Fuel cells can solve this

problem by converting power generated by wind and

solar into hydrogen using a simple electrolyzer. This

hydrogen can then be stored and used in a fuel cell

whenever power is needed.

Fuel cells enhance the performance and efficiency of

all types of fuels, even fossil fuels.

How dofuel cells work?Fuel cells generate electricity from

a simple electrochemical reaction;

harnessing the chemical attraction

that hydrogen has for oxygen to

generate electricity, water, and

heat. Portable fuel cells mostly use

proton exchange membrane (PEM)

technology. There are two sides to

a typical PEM fuel cell—an anode

and a cathode—separated by a thinmembrane. As fuel passes through

the system, electricity is captured

and water is formed as a byprod-

uct. PEM technology is fuel flexible,

and can use direct and reformed

methanol fuels, direct and

reformed borohydride fuels, hydro-

gen fuels and formic acid fuels.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are

also being developed for portable

applications. SOFCs are a particulartype of fuel cell that uses an inor-

ganic solid ceramic oxide as the

electrolyte between the anode and

the cathode. There are various

advantages of each fuel cell type, as

they range in operating tempera-

ture, materials, fuel, and applications.

“quiet, clean

and highly

efficient”


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Demand for PowerIn a world where the simplest consumer mobile phone hasmore computing power than NASA had on board the firstmoon-lander, consumers and their personal electronics are hungry for power.

Growth in demand for personal power

has been nothing short of amazing. In

1990, the average American needed

only 500 Watt-hours of power for cell

phones and other portable devices

(enough to keep a 100-Watt light bulb

on for five hours). Today, Motorola

estimates each of us on average needs10,500 Watt-hours: for cell phones,

music players, cameras, game players

and many other devices we use at

work, at home and in our leisure time.

The Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) estimates that nationwide, more

than six percent of annual utility

energy is used to power the more

than 2.5 billion power devices used for

charging consumer products such as

cell phones, PDAs and the like. Power-ing these devices with clean, efficient,

portable fuel cells will reduce grid

power demand and pollution.

But, it is not just our cell phones

that need power. No longer a luxury,

Increasingly, in all these applications

and many others, portable fuel cells

offer a competitive advantage in a

market worth well over $100 billion.

The reason is simple: batteries cannot

provide enough power, run long

enough, or charge fast enough. Fuel

cells are new to these markets, butdemand is growing. One independent

analyst estimates portable fuel cell

sales will reach $2.3 billion by 2016, a

10-fold increase in just five years.

portable electricity is increasingly an

essential part of our day-to-day lives

for needs such as:

• emergency power for industrial

sites, stores, offices and homes;

• emergency lighting and assured

communications for first respon-ders and medical professionals;

• life saving power for our military,

including unmanned vehicles, air

conditioning, refrigeration and

lighting in the field, and power

for individual service

members’ personal equip-

ment;

• playtime power for RV’s,

boats, campsites or

tailgates; and

• power for garden equipment

and hand tools.

Projected batterymarket growth

an estimated $2.3billion dollar marketby 2016

Fuel cells can compete for the entire

battery market and have distinct

advantages in many applications


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What is a Portable Fuel Cell?

Micro fuel cellsMicro Fuel Cells are a type of portable

fuel cell. Micro fuel cells are very small

and easily carried by hand. Their power

and energy is limited to low voltageand lower power applications such as

consumer electronics. Standards and

regulations for micro fuel cells are dif-

ferent than for standard portable fuel

cells since their voltage and power is

so low.

Fuel cartridges andfueling options

Fuel cartridges for portable fuel cell systems are

designed to safely deliver fuel for a portable con-

sumer product. Fuel cartridges all feature a valve,

which opens to allow the fuel out only when con-

nected to the fuel cell system. Fuel cartridge valves and con-

nectors self-close if removed from the fuel cell system, preventing

a partially-used cartridge from leaking.

Many options are available for filling and refilling fuel cartridges.These solutions range from one-time use and disposal to exchang-

ing an empty fuel cartridge for a full one, to self-filling – automated

refilling at kiosks or filling stations. For some systems, a consumer

can or will be able to “plug” a fuel cartridge into a fuel cell system

to provide power and replace it when empty. These cartridges are

or will be designed in a few standard sizes/configurations and will

be widely available from stores or even vending machines.

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association defines portable fuel cells as systemsthat are easily transported or wearable, not permanently fixed, and capable ofgenerating up to 3,000 Watts of power. Portable fuel cell systems include both a fuelcell and a source of hydrogen or hydrogen rich fuel, typically in a fuel cartridge, whichcan be refilled or replaced. The market is large, well-established and growing – withsales of several hundred million units per year.

These systems can be stand-alone devices orintegrated into other electronic devices.

• Stand-alone portable fuel cells generate

electricity that is used directly as a source

of energy. For example, at a campsite,

combustion generators typically are used

to power camping equipment such as

stoves, but are loud and release toxic

fumes. A fuel cell used as a generator

would provide silent and clean power.

• Integrated portable fuel cell systems are

“hybrid systems” that include a fuel cellalong with another power source, like a

rechargeable battery. In these “hybrid”

systems, the battery can supply the initial

high power demands of start-up, while the

fuel cell can provide extended runtime –

the system will run as long as there is fuel,

and refueling can be done

in a matter of seconds.


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Applications forPortable Fuel CellsPortable fuel cells are beneficial because they can be used with, instead of, oras back-up to other types of power, be it battery or the grid.

Unique and Creative Power AlternativesPortable fuel cells are very useful in areas where grid power

is non-existent, unavailable or unreliable. Some portable fuel

cells are hydrogen-powered generators with power outputin the 45- to 2,000-Watt range. These systems can be life-

savers in natural emergencies such as hurricanes, earth-

quakes, fires and ice storms. These systems can provide

reliable, high quality power in non-emergency situations

too, such as at remote construction sites or even as a cost-

effective solution for lighted trade show displays.

Battery SupportPortable fuel cells can be used to improve the performance

of battery-based systems used when grid power is

temporarily unavailable or unreliable. In this situation,

portable fuel cell systems keep batteries charged quietlyand efficiently. In leisure markets such as boating,

recreational vehicles, or camping, this means the comfort

of power without the noise of conventional generators.

In emergency response, military, law enforcement, trans-

portation safety, and surveillance markets, fuel cells bring

the benefits of longer run time and smaller, lighter,

quieter systems.

Battery ReplacementPortable fuel cells can replace batteries in many applications.

This includes a wide variety of devices such as television

cameras, robotics, portable flashlights, cell phones, hearing aids,laptop computers, tools, remote controlled devices,

unmanned vehicles on land, sea and air, personal vehicles,

equipment for training and field operations, portable radios,

surveillance, and drug enforcement activities.

Unique and Creative Power AlternativesThese applications are varied and numerous, including wireless

multi-media systems, indoor surveillance, contaminant-free

environmental sampling, barcode scanners, and other

consumer devices. Unique applications for fuel cells are

being explored at a rapidly expanding pace.

providing quiet, reliable,high quality power


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What are the

Benefits of Portable Fuel Cells?Portable fuel cells are a clean, efficient, reliable, and cordlesstechnology used for convenient power generation.

Convenient, On-Demand PowerPortable fuel cells can be used anytime, anywhere, without the need to plug a device into an electrical

outlet. Commercially available portable fuel cell systems are predictable, boast continuous runtimes,

and produce power output that does not degrade. This fact that fuel cells do not “run down” is one

of their most significant benefits. They provide power as long as fuel is supplied. Portable fuel cell

systems are powering devices off-grid without the environmental issues, bulk, noise or weight

penalties of batteries and/or generators.

Green TechnologyPortable fuel cells also have environmental benefits. Portable devices – which are growing significantly

in numbers – are plugged into household sockets to get power from the grid or to recharge. Grid

power supplies are highly inefficient, as low as 17-20%, and devices are often left “plugged in,” still

drawing power, even when it is not turned on. Grid power is often derived from resources that

pollute. In countries like the U.S., 55% of grid power is generated from burning coal. The result is

more power demand, more pollution, and a larger electric bill for the consumer. Clean, efficient

fuel cells address these problems in the best possible way – by eliminating the need for

dependence on grid power.

Life-Cycle GreenPortable applications of fuel cells not only reduce energy consumption through increased efficiency,

but also reduce transmission losses because the power is generated close to the source of demand.

The electricity that charges a cell phone battery, for instance, may be generated far from the point of

use, and it must be transformed in order for it to travel through high voltage transmission lines. This

transformation and transmission of the electricity causes loses that would be eliminated if the

electricity were being generated where it was being used. Additionally, fuel cells generate much lower

emissions than power generated via combustion, so there are fewer smog causing emissions and

greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

“Portable fuel

cells can beused anytime,

anywhere”


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Green JobsCommercializing portable fuel cell systems will produce jobs in development, manufactur-ing, marketing, sales and service. Most batteries today are manufactured overseas; fuel cells

have the potential to be made in the U.S., bringing jobs back home. But those jobs are not

guaranteed, as there is an intense international competition. A stronger public investment in fuel

cells will allow America to keep its lead, and capture its share of green jobs, profits and energy security

benefits.

No Cords NeededFuel cells allow consumers to enjoy a truly wire-less experience, carrying replacement fuel cartridges

instead of power cords and adapters. By simply inserting a new fuel cartridge, in some systems even

while the device continues to operate normally, a fuel cell will be ”recharged” and able to run for many

more hours.

Safe UseThe fuel supplied to portable fuel cells is from an external source (the fuel cartridge); while a battery’s

active materials must be stored inside the battery. Because of this, fuel cells have safety advantages over

batteries, in that nothing will happen under even abnormal conditions such as an external short, over-

charge or overload during a recharging process.

Light WeightPortable fuel cartridges have a significant weight and volume advantage over batteries. Portable fuel

cartridges carry higher energy content than any current battery, which means less weight and less bulk

for the same energy supply. In order to double a fuel cell’s run time, a user only needs to double the

amount of fuel (cartridges), rather than carrying a heavy second battery.

Life Saving PotentialLong run times, instant refueling capability, silent operation and light weight compared to batteries all

add up to systems that can save lives. Power for first responders, such as ambulance and medical teams,

firefighters, and other emergency response personnel, is critical. When people’s lives depend on it, a

power supply that can be more mobile and last longer is a big plus.

Convenient, clean, safe power on-demand.Green technology, creating green jobs.


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Military Applications

The military has power needs that are quite different from commercial or

residential applications. In a combat setting, stealth is of the utmost

importance, since noise and heat signatures can be used to locate

military personnel. Fuel cells have no moving parts and are extremely

quiet with a low noise signature, making them more difficult to

detect by remote infrared scanning. Batteries give off significant

heat, but fuel cells can operate close to body temperature,

reducing their “heat signature”. Due to their scalability and power out-

put capabilities, fuel cells have been demonstrated and tested for

use in numerous military applications. See the side-

bar for more information and

applications for portable fuel

cells in all branches

of the military.

Possible militaryportable applications:• Individual service members’ power needs

of sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, etc.

• Field electronics such as computers &phones

• Camp & squad power

• Transportation including manned andunmanned vehicles for tactical combat,base/local transport, and support.

Fuel cells have the potential to dramatically change how the military carries out itsmissions, and how service members operate in the field. With the largest, mosttechnologically advanced military in the world, the U.S. armed services use an immenseamount of fuel and electricity, and any use of alternative energy would have positiveeffects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to their environmentalsavings, fuel cells are of particular interest to the military because of unique technicalfeatures that can aid service members in the field.

quiet, lightweight,uninterrupted power


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Military Applications

Unmanned Aerial VehiclesUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are remote

controlled or self-piloted aircraft that can be used

to collect surveillance data or deploy weapons, all without

putting service members in harm’s way. UAVs have been used

since the 1950’s, but technological advances have made UAVs an

invaluable resource for modern warfare. Fuel cell powered UAVs

can increase flight duration, are smaller, more flexible, and allow

for more persistent surveillance, and improved search and rescue

capabilities.

Unmanned Ground VehiclesFuel cell power systems have also proved advantageous for

unmanned vehicles on land, or UGVs. UGVs are remote

controlled vehicles that can gather surveillance information while

keeping service members safe. To be useful, UGVs need to have a

long enough range to get to mission critical areas, and they need

to be able to power the necessary on-board electronics to

gather data. Fuel cells have demonstrated dramatically increased

range and mission time compared to batteries in UGVs, and

achieved these improvements at a fraction of the cost.

Silent Watch/Silent CampFuel cell power systems can be used in silent watch and silent

camp operations. As the name suggests, silent watch is whensurveillance activities are undertaken in a stealth manner, and

silent camp is when the whole camp goes dark and quiet. Fuel

cells can be used in these instances to provide quiet power to

on-board electronics of vehicles as well as provide reliable

electricity to camps at a heat level far less detectable

than batteries.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Naval ShipsFuel cells offer increased capabilities to naval forces, as fuel cells

can meet the unique power requirements of unmanned

underwater vehicles (UUV’s). UUV’s can provide the warfighter

at sea with greater underwater surveillance and mine counter-measure capabilities not otherwise available.

Fuel cells are also important to the future of naval ships as

they can increase fuel efficiency, while reducing fuel cost and be

deployed in a distributed configuration. Currently, the engines on

surface ships are located in a single, centralized spot, and if the

engine is taken out or destroyed, the ship is disabled. Fuel cells

can provide a decentralized shipboard power source

allowing for greater design flexibility, while also increasing

survivability in combat.

Military Need for Power.• Modern military systems use an increasing amount of

power. The military is considering fuel cells to lighten

the load that service members must carry while alsoextending run time and providing uninterrupted power.

• Advanced electronics are needed for modern missions.The batteries that power them today are heavy, and

need to be replaced daily, and then recycled or safelydisposed of. During Operation Iraqi Freedom forexample, battery supplies barely met demand.

• Lives depend on the products working—fuel cells have

no age-related downtime and do not degrade overtime. They are uninterruptible power supplies.

Warfighters need power to operateincreasingly sophisticated equipmentand weaponry.

• Warfighters may carry anywhere from 50 to 100pounds in their packs, depending on mission andproximity to camp. Up to half of the weight maybe batteries.

• Modern missions rely on advanced electronics, and lessweight needed for power means more capability forthe warfighter.

• During missions, warfighters already have a lot to

contend with, and worrying about whether their elec-tronics have enough power should not be a concern.

Forward bases need power foroperations and defense.

• Conventional generators are noisy and hot, andexpose camps to detection because of high noise andheat signatures.

• Supplying fuel is difficult and expensive. Oil sources

and prices are volatile, and lack of supply can limit

operations.• Batteries are heavy and need recharging. Local grids

can be unreliable or vulnerable.

• Missions can be unpredictable and last much longerthan anticipated, requiring backup power for longerperiods of time.

• Logistics of moving and carrying fuel can limitcombat operations.


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Looking ForwardContinued innovations in fuel cell technology willbring more powerful, reliable and lightweight fuelcells to power the future.

ConclusionsThe portable fuel cell industry has made great strides in advancing fuel

cell technology and preparing the marketplace for commercialization.

Portable fuel cells are bringing power to market for use in applicationsthat are becoming more and more necessary to our daily lives. Creative

application of these fuel cells is almost unlimited in possibilities.

“Transforming

the energynetwork”

Fuel cell technology will continue to improve in

the coming years to be smaller, more powerful

and even more reliable. The most significant

innovation that will occur will be the continued

miniaturization of fuel cells, both in storage of fuel

and in the system itself. As storage possibilities for

hydrogen and other fuel sources of fuel cells isimproved, the systems will become even more

lightweight and will provide longer runtime. In

addition, as fuel cells themselves continue to be

miniaturized, they will be able to be integrated

into electronic devices far more easily.

Fuel Cell &Hydrogen Energy

AssociationThe Fuel Cell and Hydrogen EnergyAssociation (FCHEA) is the advocacy

organization dedicated to the com-

mercialization of fuel cells and hydro-

gen energy technologies. FCHEA and

its membership are at the forefront

of efforts to transform the energy

network, fundamentally altering the

way energy is generated and used.

Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies

are being commercially deployed

today to solve critical problems in ourenergy infrastructure and deliver

clean, reliable power to leading edge

corporate, academic and public sec-

tor users. FCHEA's membership rep-

resents the full spectrum of the

supply chain from universities, govern-

ment laboratories and agencies, trade

associations, fuel cell materials, com-

ponents and systems manufacturers,

hydrogen producers and fuel distrib-

utors, utilities and other end users.

For more information about theFCHEA, visit: www.fchea.org


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