Nearly 40 researchers at PNNL are contributing to the development of fuel cell technologies. Their areas of expertise include
- Analytical and physical chemistry
- Chemical separations and conversion
- Computational science and engineering
- Design and manufacturing engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Energy technology and management
- Materials science and technology
- Microengineering and nanoengineering
Fuel Cells
Fuel cells will play an important role in securing our energy future by providing efficient, environmentally friendly electrical energy while extending the capacity of our fossil fuel supply. However, fuel cells will only come into broad public use when their cost is significantly reduced. And that can't happen until they are available for a wide variety of applications. The Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance's (SECA) goal is to create a solid oxide fuel cell (3-10 kW) that can be mass produced in modular form. Used individually or in clusters, depending upon the amount of energy required, these fuel cells will be able to power a broad array of applications. As the number of uses for fuel cells grows, per unit costs can be reduced as high volume production technologies are brought to bear.
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For additional information
Related Links
- PNNL researcher publishes book on solid oxide fuel cells
- Advancing Fuel Cells for Clean and Efficient Power (PDF 2.42MB)
- SOFC Research and Development at PNNL
- SECA Brochure (PDF 1.1MB)
- "PNNL's Advanced Technologies Fire Up Fuel Cells," reprinted by permission from Fuel Cell Magazine, December 2003/January 2004 issue