Introduction to fuel‐cell types

Abstract This chapter reviews the difficulties encountered in the use of hydrogen as the main fuel in modern fuel cells, and then considers in turn five major types of hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells: the alkaline cell, the phosphoric acid cell, the molten carbonate cell, the solid‐oxide cell, and the solid‐polymer‐electrolyte cell. The direct methanol cell is also described as one using an alternative fuel. The limitations and advantages of each of these cells are described.