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Zero Emission Vehicles and Sustainable Mobility - ZeTek Power's Alkaline Fuel Cells
Technical Paper
2001-01-3750
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Alkaline fuel cells are efficient performers with an excellent pedigree of high reliability and good life. While the AFC's used in space applications are complex and costly, the terrestrial ZeTek Power versions, operating as hybrid systems with a buffer battery or as a stationary power source, are not. In practice, the alkaline cell is very well developed, simple to operate, has a built in cooling system, offers excellent reliability and is inexpensive to manufacture in small quantities.
This paper will also look at the overall efficiency of the alkaline fuel cell. The performance of the basic system during its lifetime and the electrochemical improvements that have already been achieved by the adoption of modern catalysts will be highlighted. The paper will demonstrate the immediate potential of the system to satisfy the technical and economic requirements for an on-board traction battery charger in vehicles operating within a limited geographical area, and in electric boats. Current demonstrations will be discussed in these markets - vehicle, marine - with examples of how each application has its own design requirements.
The ZASI programme (ZeTek Power Approved System Integrators), an opportunity to get on board with the zero-emission, fuel-cell technology - the power source to drive the future, will be explained.