Deployment of Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Energy Storage Systems in Rural Areas

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The continuing development of fuel cells and electrolyzers has advanced the technology for use in a range of applications from aerospace and military to residential and vehicle systems. The technical viability of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolyzers has been clearly demonstrated in these applications, however, the economic viability remains far away except for niche applications that can demand higher performance at any cost. Unfortunately, this is not the case for rural areas where it is desired to boost economic growth in the region by providing clean, renewable energy in a cost-effective manner. In order for the fuel cell and electrolyzer benefits to be fully realized, it is necessary to lower their life-cycle costs. Regenerative proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are required to lower the costs and improve performance to compete with today's state of the art batteries and combustion based power sources. This proposed technology will lower the fuel cell costs for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, allowing new commercial opportunities to be explored for remote, backup, and portable power applications.