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2007-08 Seminars
Fuel Cell Technology and Public
Policy
Gong Zhang, Ph.D.
Senior Engineer
Stationary Fuel Cells
Siemens Power Generation
Abstract
As an emerging power generation technology fuel
cell is catching increasing attention due to its
strategic importance to the modern society. In this
presentation fundamentals of fuel cells and their
operating principles are introduced with focus on
high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and
low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel
cell (PEMFC). The unique technical characteristics
determine their diverse applications ranging from
lab top computers, automobiles, auxiliary power unit
(APU) to central power plants. Though it is very
promising fuel cell technology is still at the early
stage of pre-commercialization facing many
technical, financial, political hurdles, most of
which share the “egg-and-chicken” type of dilemma.
In order to break the vicious cycle the path forward
for fuel cell technology development will be
discussed under the context of national research,
energy, and environmental policies.
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