Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) represents the leading companies and organizations that are advancing innovative, clean, safe, and reliable energy technologies.  FCHEA drives support and provides a consistent industry voice to regulators and policymakers.  Our educational efforts promote the environmental and economic benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies.  The mission of FCHEA is to advance the commercialization of and promote the markets for fuel cells and hydrogen energy.

FCHEA is focused on achieving our mission through three primary activities:

• Leading national advocacy to encourage all levels of government to support fuel cell and hydrogen technology research, development, and deployment;
• Providing the industry a voice in shaping regulations, codes, and standards to enable commercial growth, while ensuring the highest levels of consumer safety and satisfaction; and
• Educating the public and key opinion and policy leaders on the economic and environmental benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)

Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) PAFCs use a liquid phosphoric acid  and ceramic electrolyte and a platinum catalyst. Theses fuel cells operate physically similar to the PEM fuel cell and at similar efficiency level.  However, PAFCs run at a higher temperature, allowing them to handle small amounts of fuel impurities. PAFCs are typically used in a cogeneration mode to not only produce electricity, but also heat to be captured to assist heating and cooling. PAFCs are often seen in high-energy demand applications, such as hospitals, schools and manufacturing and processing centers. 

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) SOFCs are the highest temperature fuel cells, operating at about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.  SOFCs use a dense layer of ceramic as an electrolyte, which at high temperatures allows for the conductivity of oxygen ions. Similar to the MCFCs, SOFCs also use a non-platinum catalyst utilizing internal reformation, and are commonly fueled by natural gas. Through this process, SOFCs can achieve electrical efficiencies of 50% to 60%, and 70%-80% in CHP applications. SOFCs are being used in a range of applications, from small residential auxiliary power units supplying heat and power to homes, to large-scale stationary power generators for larger buildings and businesses.

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) Much like PEMFCs, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) use a polymer membrane as an electrolyte and commonly a platinum catalyst as well.  However, unlike PEMFCs, DMFCs draw hydrogen from liquid methanol, rather than use direct hydrogen fuel.  DMFCs also run at relatively cool temperatures, between 125 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. .  Applications of DMFCs range from small electronics, such as battery chargers and laptops, to larger applications like stationary power for telecommunications backup. 

Hydrogen Basics

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, though it is not found naturally on Earth. Hydrogen must be extracted from other sources. In its purest form, hydrogen is a non-toxic colorless and odorless gas.  Hydrogen (when used as a fuel), like electricity, is an energy carrier rather than an energy resource. Both electricity and hydrogen can be produced from all energy resources available (including, natural gas, petroleum products, coal, solar and wind electrolysis, biomass, and others). Hydrogen and electricity can be generated from greenhouse gas-neutral sources, addressing climate change and urban air quality problems. As with electricity, hydrogen can also be produced from sustainable domestic and renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar-powered electrolysis, which enhances our long term energy security.  Millions of metric tons of hydrogen are produced annually in the United States, which is enough to fuel tens of millions of FCVs. The current primary uses for hydrogen, however, are for the petroleum, ammonia for fertilizer, chemical, and food industries.  Today, 95% of the hydrogen produced in the United States is made by industrial-scale natural gas reformation. This process is called fossil fuel reforming or steam methane reformation (SMR) and uses natural gas and steam to generate carbon dioxide and hydrogen.  Hydrogen has been safely produced and used in the U.S. and around the globe for nearly half a century.  As with every fuel, safe handling practices are required but hydrogen is non-toxic and does not pose a threat to human or environmental health if released