Abstract :
A comparison is drawn between the theoretical efficiencies of heat-engines and fuel-cells in the conversion of chemical to electrical energy. The electrochemical principles governing the operation of fuel-cells are discussed. Short descriptions, including performance curves, are given of a few selected fuel-cell types including low, intermediate, and high temperature cells, and redox and regenerative cells. An example is given of a rough calculation of battery and fuel weight and volume for a given power level and total energy demand.
