User:Mbocheff/sandbox/Ceramic Power CEll
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[edit]
The 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[edit]
Development 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[edit]
Ceramic 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[edit]