EVS23: AutoblogGreen Q&A on Smart Fuel Cell's methanol fuel cells
Say "fuel cell" to someone in the auto industry and I bet you dollars to donuts that they'll think you're talking about hydrogen. Well, I'll make the bet unless you're speaking to Dr. Jens Müller or Dr. Peter Podesser of Smart Fuel Cells. These two men were in Anaheim for EVS23 to showcase their methanol fuel cells. The big selling point of these fuel cells, Podesser and Müller will tell you, is that all of the problems with the commercialization of fuel cells have been overcome by using methanol cartridges. Of course, the problem with methanol fuel cells is that they emit carbon dioxide along with water. The SFC line is that the CO2 is minimal, equivalent to the amount that comes from a baby's mouth over the same time period. Don't believe me? Give them a listen here (28 min, 19 MB). Podesser is the CEO of Smart Fuel Cell and Müller is SFC's chief technology officer, so they should know what these cells are capable of. The SFC brand name for the fuel cells is EFOY (that's "energy for you" fuel cells) and comes in four sizes, with output options ranging from 1.6 kWh per day to 0.6 KWh per day. Naturally, these fuel cells can be used in a variety of vehicles, from three-wheeled rickshaw-like bikes to motor homes (where the cells are used as power generators, not to provide forward motion).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rgseidl 5:40PM (12/07/2007)
The problem with direct methanol fuel cells isn't really CO2 emissions, once you consider the well-to-wheels equations for hydrogen and methanol produced from natural gas.
Rather, the issue has always been that DMFCs suffer from low power density and poor load response dynamics, especially if the platinum cathode has become contaminated by ruthenium crossing over from the anode. Also, methanol is a highly toxic, flammable liquid with a nearly colorless flame. It it requires careful handling and storage plus reliably leak-proof transfer into the ICE or fuel cell stack. Arguably, much the same applies to gasoline and diesel.
All of this means DMFCs may yet see the light of day in consumer electronics applications (e.g. laptops) and electric bicycles but not in cars.
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roz 2:49PM (12/13/2007)
what about as a range extender for a BEV?
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