Advancements and Challenges in Fuel Cell Technology for Portable, Transportation, and Stationary Applications

Information from the abstract

Fuel cell technology has emerged as a promising clean energy conversion technology for support the transition towards low-carbon and sustainable energy systems. Unlike conventional combustion-based technologies, fuel cells directly convert the chemical energy of fuels into electricity through electrochemical reactions, offering high energy efficiency, low emissions, and fuel flexibility. This review examines recent advances in fuel cell technologies and evaluates their suitability for portable, transportation, and stationary applications. For portable applications, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) are highlighted because of their low operating temperatures, compact design, and high energy density, making them suitable for portable electronic devices and military equipment. In the transportation sector, PEMFCs have demonstrated significant potential for fuel cell electric vehicles, trains, and unmanned aerial vehicles owing to their rapid start-up capability and high-power density. For stationary applications, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs), and PEMFC-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems provide high electrical efficiency and effective waste heat recovery for residential, commercial, and industrial power generation. Despite these advantages, commercialization remains constrained by high capital costs, durability limitations, hydrogen infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. Continued advances in catalyst and membrane materials, hydrogen production and storage, system integration, manufacturing processes, and supportive government policies are essential to improve the economic competitiveness and long-term reliability of fuel cell systems. Overall, fuel cell technology represents a key enabling technology for achieving a sustainable hydrogen economy and accelerating the transition towards low-carbon energy systems.

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Related topics: Advancements in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells · Fuel Cells and Related Materials · Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems