ABSTRACT
Reformed-methanol fuel cell systems are being developed for many commercial applications. More so than any other organic fuel, methanol can be easily reformed to yield high-quality hydrogen and enable the successful application of low-temperature PEM fuel cells to generate electricity. As high-temperature PEM fuel cells mature, it is likely that methanol reformers will also be coupled to these fuel cells as well. The first portion of this book addressed the technical features and theory of operation of methanol reformers and hydrogen
purification processes. This chapter will examine some of the more promising commercial applications. It should be clear that methanol reformers offer both advantages and disadvantages, and like any technology, care should be taken to make sure that the application fit is good. An example of an application where reformed-methanol fuel cell systems are not a good fit is unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) where very rapid start and light weight are critical. 7.1 Consumer ElectronicsFuel cells have been proposed as battery replacements for many consumer electronics, including cell phones, PDAs, and laptop computers. Most of the large electronic-product manufacturing
companies have evaluated fuel cell power systems; some are still actively engaged, including Sanyo, Toshiba, Casio, and Panasonic (Matsushita).The power draw for cell phones and PDAs is low, only a few watts; whereas for laptop computers the power draw may range as high as 50 W. Some of the important product requirements include the following: • High overall energy efficiency-this implies low heat loss to the
consumer appliance and maximum run time on a fuel cartridge.
