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Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy

Fuel Cell Basics

Hydrogen Energy

Applications

“The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industries in Ohio are on the verge of considerable success. One piece of the puzzle that will help push us over the top is a united voice for the fuel cell and hydrogen industries. The FCHEA provides Ohio, the rest of the country—and the Industry-- with that voice through advocacy, support and a united front.”

Patrick Valente,
Executive Director,
Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition
“Now, more than ever, the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industries need to speak in one powerful voice. FCHEA's efforts have been exceptional in creating a compelling platform to advance industry initiatives on Capitol Hill and within the States”

Shannon Baxter-Clemmons
PhD, Executive Director,
South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance
“By providing clean, efficient and continuous base-load energy for buildings and enabling zero-emission transportation, fuel cells have become a proven and crucial component of the clean energy network. We are extremely grateful for the important work FCHEA is doing to raise the profile of these game-changing energy technologies for the marketplace, policy makers, key decision-makers and the general public.”

Mike Brown
Vice President,Government Affairs, and General Counsel,
UTC Power
"FCHEA's efforts are providing great help in moving Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to a new level of market acceptance in a way one individual automaker could not."

Stephen Ellis,
American Honda
"FCHEA brings a strong, united voice about fuel cells and hydrogen to a national audience. We look forward to working closely with FCHEA staff and members to advance the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States."

Catherine Dunwoody,
Executive Director,
California Fuel Cell Partnership
"FCHEA is an important conduit for informing and educating government leaders and the public about the impact hydrogen is making today as well as significant technology advances, and hydrogen’s role in solving the clean energy issue for all future generations."

Ed Kiczek
Global Business Director,
Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products
“Plug Power greatly appreciates the importance of FCHEA in advancing hydrogen fuel cell solutions in commercial applications. It is the visionary collaboration of the partnership that provides a strong foundation for today’s advanced technology to prove out value, viability and reliability in key markets. Industry pioneers, like FCHEA, will ensure a path to a future that includes hydrogen and fuel cells as core to the clean energy network”

Andy Marsh
CEO
Plug Power
"Solar and wind are good technologies, but they do not address the total customer need for continuous power as fuel cells and hydrogen energy do . Many customers require a more dependable base-load, energy efficient solution that works around the clock, and in a smaller footprint. ClearEdge Power fuel cells provide exactly that solution, and the FCHEA helps us to inform and educate customers and policymakers about the many benefits of fuel cells and hydrogen energy."

Russel Ford
President & CEO
ClearEdge Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

While many fuel cells run at moderate temperatures, a couple specific types produce a significant amount of heat. These types of fuel cells, namely molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), can be configured so that excess heat is captured and put to work. This is done exclusively with stationary fuel cells. Power plants that generate energy in the form of both heat and electricity are called Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or cogeneration plants. CHP fuel cell systems can simultaneously provide for an entire building’s electricity and heating needs, effectively reducing utility bills by killing two birds with one stone.

The heat energy harnessed from CHP systems can fulfill a variety of needs. Hotels can heat pools with CHP systems. Small residential fuel cells with CHP, termed micro-CHP, can take the place of a house’s water heater. Special devices called adsorption chillers can use heat to produce cooling power for air conditioning or refrigeration needs. Fuel cells supplying power, heat, and cooling are sometimes referred to as trigeneration plants.

Fuel cells are already remarkably energy efficient, harnessing 40-60% of fuel energy where traditional combustion power plants do 30%. CHP systems are even stingier with energy; many see efficiencies of 80% and higher. Higher efficiency means lower fuel consumption, lower utility bills, and reduced emissions.

Cool Examples
Many grocery stores have already selected fuel cell CHP as their preferred source of power. Grocery stores have large refrigeration and electricity needs. During power outages refrigerated food spoils, resulting in major losses of inventory. This is very costly. Traditionally, grocery stores have needed to keep generators and fuel on hand for rare use during outages. Instead, grocery stores can now employ fuel cells for electricity and refrigeration needs while eliminating the need for backup power if the grid fails. Couple that with lower costs and great environmental credibility, and you get happy shoppers and grocers all around.

For more information on CHP Fuel Cell Applications, see our Fact Sheet below:

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Fact Sheet