Question

Stack life and installed cost are two parameters considered critical for fuel cell development. What is meant by stack life and why is it important? What is the projected installed cost, in $ per kW, of current fuel cell technology for large scale power generation? To be competitive with conventional power systems such as gas turbines, what should be the target installed cost for fuel cells?

Answer 1

• Stack life is the amount of time in hours that the fuel cell can operate and provide optimum power output.
• Stack life is very important parameter for fuel cells as it provides the genesis of the lifetime and durability of the fuel cells and also helps to decide the best alternative during application on the basis of budget and repairing overhauling cost.
• By US Energy Department as per recent technology the cost of fuel cell is 61$ / kw while the target is close to 30$ / kw.
• For conventional power systems such as gas turbine the operating cost is 0.04 — 0.1$ / kw and capital cost is $400 — $800 per kilowatts. While a typical hydrogen fuel cell involves capital cost of 1000 $ / kw.