Distributed Energy Resources Guide: Fuel Cells - Strengths & Weaknesses

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Fuel Cells

| Applications | Performance | Cost | Strengths & Weaknesses | Future Development | Vendors |

PAFC

PAFC
Strengths	Weaknesses
Quiet	High costs
Low emissions	Low energy density
High efficiency
Proven reliability

MCFC

MCFC
Strengths	Weaknesses
Quiet	Need to demonstrate long term dependability
Low emissions
High efficiency	High cost
Self reforming

SOFC

SOFC
Strengths	Weaknesses
Quiet	Planar SOFCs are still in the R&D stage but recent developments in low temperature operations show promise
Low emissions
High efficiency	High cost
High energy density
Self reforming

PEMFC

PEMFC
Strengths	Weaknesses
Quiet	Limited field test experience
Low emissions	Low temperature waste heat may limit cogeneration potential
High efficiency	Low temperature waste heat may limit cogeneration potential
Synergy with automotive R&D	High cost

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Page Updated: January 18, 2002