A ceramic power cell is a fuel cell that uses a ceramic material as the anode and electrolyte. They differ from other metal fuel cells in that they produce more heat, up to 850° Celsius, and use less expensive materials. They have been produced for a decade and the typical household model produces between one and five kilowatts, while commercial power cells can produce up to a hundred kilowatts.[1]
How They Work
editThe ceramic power cell converts a hydrogen-based fuel to electricity through a simple electrochemical process. As the fuel runs along the anode, oxygen gas, from the air, bonds with the hydrogen, from the fuel, through the ceramic material, producing two electrons and a water molecule. The excess fuel and water then flows away, either to be reused or disposed of, while the electrons flow through the cathode, typically a metal that resists oxidation. Finally, the cathode allows more oxygen to refill the electrolyte and the process repeats(shown in the image above).[1] While typical combustion produces pollutants, such as nitrates and sulfates, this process produces water, carbon dioxide , and unused fuel.[2]
Origins
editDevelopment of this energy conversion mechanism began in 1992, when an Australian company, Ceramic Fuel Cells (CFC), opened two production and research facilities, one in Germany and one in Australia.[3] CFC added a water heater to absorb the extra heat, making this technology accessible for the public. They marketed this product as BlueGen, a ceramic fuel cell and water heater meant for home-owners looking to reduce their carbon-footprint and electricity bill. These appliances have been installed in about a thousand homes, with positive customer reviews.[3] The German and Australian Governments began funding CFC's research, spreading its popularity to other European countries.[3] In 2015, Ceramic Fuel Cells ran into financial trouble, losing much of its governmental funding, and was absorbed by SOLIDpower, a relatively new battery and power cell company.[4] This company is currently researching possible improvements to the original design, including a lower temperature ceramic fuel cell and a fuel cell that uses common metal alloys mixed with ceramics. These improvements would make fuel cells better suited for homes and easier to manufacture.[1]
Advantages and Disadvantages
editCeramic Power Cells were originally developed to be a more efficient version of typical hydrocarbon combustion. Here are some pros and cons;
| Advantages[1] | Disadvantages[5] |
|---|---|
| Uses virtually any form of hydrocarbon fuel | Produces excess heat and only functions at high temperature, around 1000° C |
| Produces 60% less atmospheric pollutants than typical combustion | Produces atmospheric carbon, contributing to global climate change |
| Uses a common material found on earth, requiring minimal mining | Installation requires new plumbing as well as new gas lines |
| Converts 60% of energy in fuel to electricity, coal combustion converts around 30% | Must be running all the time |
| Cheaper to produce than metal fuel cells, allowing them to be afforadable for a higher portion of the population | |
| Heats your home and water |
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Ceramic Fuel Cells - completing clean energy generation — EcoGeneration". EcoGeneration. Retrieved 2016-01-29.
- ^ "Ceramic fuel cells could be the future of green, at-home power and heat generation | ExtremeTech". ExtremeTech. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
- ^ a b c "Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (ASX:CFU) - News & Markets - ninemsn finance". finance. Retrieved 2016-02-02.
- ^ "The Fuel Cell Industry Review 2015 | AltEnergyMag". www.altenergymag.com. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
- ^ "Ceramic Fuel Cells - A dead end technology". www.businessspectator.com.au. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
External links
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