芝加哥大学.pdf

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and membranes have helped improve overall performance
and reduce the modeled cost of an 80-kW direct hydrogen
fuel cell system for transportation projected to a volume of
500,000 units per year to $73/kW. While component research
enabled such advances, innovation in characterization and
analysis techniques has improved researchers’ understanding
of the processes that affect fuel cell performance and durability.
An improved understanding of these processes will be key to
© 2010 American Chemical Society
In Fuel Cell Chemistry and Operation; Herring, A., et al.;
ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, further progress in eliminating cost, durability, and
performance challenges that remain for fuel cell technology.
Introduction
Fuel cells offer benefits in transportation, stationary, and portable power
applications. One of the major benefits is an increase in efficiency over
conventional technology. Fuel cells are more than two times as efficient as
internal combustion engines (ICEs), with the potential for greater than 80%
efficiency in combined heat and power systems (1).
In addition to improving efficiency, fuel cells also can enhance energy
security by reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. The United States
(.) imports 58% of its total petroleum, and transportation accounts for
two-thirds of . petroleum use (2). Projections indicate . domestic oil
production, even when considering biofuels and coal-to-li