Regulatory Measures toward a Green Economy Drive Adoption of Fuel Cells in Automotive Industry
DUBLIN, Ireland--Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Advances in Fuel Cells for Automotive Applications (Technical Insights)” to their offering..
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Advances in Fuel Cells for Automotive Applications provides an overview of emerging fuel cell technologies for the automotive industry along with key drivers, restraints, and analysis of trends witnessed in the fuel cell industry. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: proton exchange membrane fuel cells, membrane electrode assemblies, and catalysts for fuel cells.
Market Sectors
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
By End User Vertical:
- Chemicals, materials, and food
- Energy and power systems
- Automotive and transportation
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Catalysts: These materials increase the rate of chemical reaction across a fuel cell membrane within the membrane electrode assembly.
- Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: They can operate at relatively low temperatures of about 175 degrees F or 80 degrees C. They use polymer electrolytes in the form of thin, permeable sheets and have an efficiency of about 40 to 50 percent as well as an output that ranges between 50 and 250 kW.
- Alternative Fuels: These include hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, and synfuels.
- IC Engine Technology: IC engines are of two types: spark and compression ignition engines. These engines are capable of starting up easily in freezing conditions.
- Battery Electric Vehicles: These involve the use of nickel-based batteries, which are popular for use in hybrid electric cars.
- Fuel Cell Vehicles: These vehicles use the fuel cell technology, which enables unlimited generation of power and have energy efficiencies of about 40 to 45 percent.
Market Overview
Regulatory Measures toward a Green Economy Drive Adoption of Fuel Cells in Automotive Industry
Depleting oil reserves and increasing noxious emissions are compelling automobile companies to look for alternate sources of renewable fuel to power their vehicles. Governments are focusing on adopting cleaner technologies such as fuel cells for reduced emissions and effective fuel conversion. Regulations on vehicle fuel systems, hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as hazardous materials shipments implemented by authorities such as the Department of Transportation (DTO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensure the safety of technology users and humanity in general.
The internal combustion (IC) engine technology that is presently propelling most automobiles has fallen short of expectations in terms of efficiently in converting fuel, states the analyst of this research service. However, fuel cells can generate unlimited power, without emitting noxious gases as long as fuel is supplied to them. This ability coupled with regulatory pressures is likely to stimulate the automotive industry to begin utilizing fuel cells, initially in fleet vehicles and later in passenger cars as well as trucks.
Fuel Cells to Offer Significant Benefits to Automotive Industry
Fuel cells help in the conservation of natural resources as they use the commonly found hydrogen instead of the already deteriorating sources of fossil fuels. These energy-efficient devices have tremendous ability to reduce noxious emissions. Since these cells draw their energy from electrochemical conversion, wherein chemical energy is converted into electrical energy and water is the only by-product, greenhouse gas emissions are minimal.
Fuel cells have an enormous potential to provide reliable and quality power. These technologies are considered an ideal choice for stationary power applications, since they emit only a trace of sulfur and nitrogen. Prospective fuel cell technologies for the automotive industry such as solid oxide fuel cells, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and alkaline fuel cells can power a variety of automobiles ranging from trucks to cars and motorcycles, notes the analyst.