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Portable Power
Fuel cells in action

Portable Power

Big power, small package

What are Fuel Cells?

quiet, clean
and highly
efficient

Fuel cells generate electricity and will do

so as long as fuel is supplied. Fuel cells are
quiet, clean, and highly efficient because
they use an electrochemical process
not combustion to convert fuel directly
into electricity. Fuel cells can operate on
a wide range of fuels, from hydrogen to
natural gas and propane, from methanol
and ethanol to even chemical and metal
hydrides.
Many of these fuels can be derived from renewable
sources: methane from biomass for example, or hydrogen
from solar or wind power. Wind and solar technologies
generate intermittent electricity, but they are not always
on; for instance solar panels do not generate electricity
at night, and wind turbines cannot generate electricity
when there is little or no wind. Fuel cells can solve this
problem by converting power generated by wind and
solar into hydrogen using a simple electrolyzer. This
hydrogen can then be stored and used in a fuel cell
whenever power is needed.
Fuel cells enhance the performance and efficiency of
all types of fuels, even fossil fuels.

How do
fuel cells work?
Fuel cells generate electricity from
a simple electrochemical reaction;
harnessing the chemical attraction
that hydrogen has for oxygen to
generate electricity, water, and
heat. Portable fuel cells mostly use
proton exchange membrane (PEM)
technology. There are two sides to
a typical PEM fuel cellan anode
and a cathodeseparated by a thin
membrane. As fuel passes through
the system, electricity is captured
and water is formed as a byproduct. PEM technology is fuel flexible,
and can use direct and reformed
methanol fuels, direct and
reformed borohydride fuels, hydrogen fuels and formic acid fuels.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are
also being developed for portable
applications. SOFCs are a particular
type of fuel cell that uses an inorganic solid ceramic oxide as the
electrolyte between the anode and
the cathode. There are various
advantages of each fuel cell type, as
they range in operating temperature, materials, fuel, and applications.

Demand for Power

In a world where the simplest consumer mobile phone has
more computing power than NASA had on board the first
moon-lander, consumers and their personal electronics are hungry for power.
Growth in demand for personal power
has been nothing short of amazing. In
1990, the average American needed
only 500 Watt-hours of power for cell
phones and other portable devices
(enough to keep a 100-Watt light bulb
on for five hours). Today, Motorola
estimates each of us on average needs
10,500 Watt-hours: for cell phones,
music players, cameras, game players
and many other devices we use at
work, at home and in our leisure time.
The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) estimates that nationwide, more
than six percent of annual utility
energy is used to power the more
than 2.5 billion power devices used for
charging consumer products such as
cell phones, PDAs and the like. Powering these devices with clean, efficient,
portable fuel cells will reduce grid
power demand and pollution.

portable electricity is increasingly an

essential part of our day-to-day lives
for needs such as:
emergency power for industrial
sites, stores, offices and homes;
emergency lighting and assured
communications for first responders and medical professionals;
life saving power for our military,
including unmanned vehicles, air
conditioning, refrigeration and
lighting in the field, and power
for individual service
members personal equipment;
playtime power for RVs,
boats, campsites or
tailgates; and
power for garden equipment
and hand tools.

But, it is not just our cell phones

that need power. No longer a luxury,

Projected battery
market growth
Fuel cells can compete for the entire
battery market and have distinct
advantages in many applications

Increasingly, in all these applications

and many others, portable fuel cells
offer a competitive advantage in a
market worth well over $100 billion.
The reason is simple: batteries cannot
provide enough power, run long
enough, or charge fast enough. Fuel
cells are new to these markets, but
demand is growing. One independent
analyst estimates portable fuel cell
sales will reach $2.3 billion by 2016, a
10-fold increase in just five years.

an estimated $2.3
billion dollar market
by 2016

Micro fuel cells

Micro Fuel Cells are a type of portable
fuel cell. Micro fuel cells are very small
and easily carried by hand.Their power
and energy is limited to low voltage
and lower power applications such as
consumer electronics. Standards and
regulations for micro fuel cells are different than for standard portable fuel
cells since their voltage and power is
so low.

What is a Portable Fuel Cell?

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association defines portable fuel cells as systems
that are easily transported or wearable, not permanently fixed, and capable of
generating up to 3,000 Watts of power. Portable fuel cell systems include both a fuel
cell and a source of hydrogen or hydrogen rich fuel, typically in a fuel cartridge, which
can be refilled or replaced. The market is large, well-established and growing with
sales of several hundred million units per year.

Fuel cartridges and

fueling options
Fuel cartridges for portable fuel cell systems are
designed to safely deliver fuel for a portable consumer product. Fuel cartridges all feature a valve,
which opens to allow the fuel out only when connected to the fuel cell system. Fuel cartridge valves and connectors self-close if removed from the fuel cell system, preventing
a partially-used cartridge from leaking.
Many options are available for filling and refilling fuel cartridges.
These solutions range from one-time use and disposal to exchanging an empty fuel cartridge for a full one, to self-filling automated
refilling at kiosks or filling stations. For some systems, a consumer
can or will be able to plug a fuel cartridge into a fuel cell system
to provide power and replace it when empty. These cartridges are
or will be designed in a few standard sizes/configurations and will
be widely available from stores or even vending machines.

These systems can be stand-alone devices or

integrated into other electronic devices.
Stand-alone portable fuel cells generate
electricity that is used directly as a source
of energy. For example, at a campsite,
combustion generators typically are used
to power camping equipment such as
stoves, but are loud and release toxic
fumes. A fuel cell used as a generator
would provide silent and clean power.
Integrated portable fuel cell systems are
hybrid systems that include a fuel cell
along with another power source, like a
rechargeable battery. In these hybrid
systems, the battery can supply the initial
high power demands of start-up, while the
fuel cell can provide extended runtime
the system will run as long as there is fuel,
and refueling can be done
in a matter of seconds.

Applications for
Portable Fuel Cells
Portable fuel cells are beneficial because they can be used with, instead of, or
as back-up to other types of power, be it battery or the grid.
Unique and Creative Power Alternatives

Battery Replacement

Portable fuel cells are very useful in areas where grid power
is non-existent, unavailable or unreliable. Some portable fuel
cells are hydrogen-powered generators with power output
in the 45- to 2,000-Watt range. These systems can be lifesavers in natural emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and ice storms. These systems can provide
reliable, high quality power in non-emergency situations
too, such as at remote construction sites or even as a costeffective solution for lighted trade show displays.

Portable fuel cells can replace batteries in many applications.

This includes a wide variety of devices such as television
cameras, robotics, portable flashlights, cell phones, hearing aids,
laptop computers, tools, remote controlled devices,
unmanned vehicles on land, sea and air, personal vehicles,
equipment for training and field operations, portable radios,
surveillance, and drug enforcement activities.

Battery Support
Portable fuel cells can be used to improve the performance
of battery-based systems used when grid power is
temporarily unavailable or unreliable. In this situation,
portable fuel cell systems keep batteries charged quietly
and efficiently. In leisure markets such as boating,
recreational vehicles, or camping, this means the comfort
of power without the noise of conventional generators.
In emergency response, military, law enforcement, transportation safety, and surveillance markets, fuel cells bring
the benefits of longer run time and smaller, lighter,
quieter systems.

Unique and Creative Power Alternatives

These applications are varied and numerous, including wireless
multi-media systems, indoor surveillance, contaminant-free
environmental sampling, barcode scanners, and other
consumer devices. Unique applications for fuel cells are
being explored at a rapidly expanding pace.

providing quiet, reliable,

high quality power

Portable fuel
cells can be
used anytime,
anywhere

What are the

Benefits of Portable Fuel Cells?
Portable fuel cells are a clean, efficient, reliable, and cordless
technology used for convenient power generation.
Convenient, On-Demand Power
Portable fuel cells can be used anytime, anywhere, without the need to plug a device into an electrical
outlet. Commercially available portable fuel cell systems are predictable, boast continuous runtimes,
and produce power output that does not degrade. This fact that fuel cells do not run down is one
of their most significant benefits. They provide power as long as fuel is supplied. Portable fuel cell
systems are powering devices off-grid without the environmental issues, bulk, noise or weight
penalties of batteries and/or generators.

Green Technology
Portable fuel cells also have environmental benefits. Portable devices which are growing significantly
in numbers are plugged into household sockets to get power from the grid or to recharge. Grid
power supplies are highly inefficient, as low as 17-20%, and devices are often left plugged in, still
drawing power, even when it is not turned on. Grid power is often derived from resources that
pollute. In countries like the U.S., 55% of grid power is generated from burning coal. The result is
more power demand, more pollution, and a larger electric bill for the consumer. Clean, efficient
fuel cells address these problems in the best possible way by eliminating the need for
dependence on grid power.

Life-Cycle Green
Portable applications of fuel cells not only reduce energy consumption through increased efficiency,
but also reduce transmission losses because the power is generated close to the source of demand.
The electricity that charges a cell phone battery, for instance, may be generated far from the point of
use, and it must be transformed in order for it to travel through high voltage transmission lines. This
transformation and transmission of the electricity causes loses that would be eliminated if the
electricity were being generated where it was being used. Additionally, fuel cells generate much lower
emissions than power generated via combustion, so there are fewer smog causing emissions and
greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

Green Jobs
Commercializing portable fuel cell systems will produce jobs in development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and service. Most batteries today are manufactured overseas; fuel cells
have the potential to be made in the U.S., bringing jobs back home. But those jobs are not
guaranteed, as there is an intense international competition. A stronger public investment in fuel
cells will allow America to keep its lead, and capture its share of green jobs, profits and energy security
benefits.

No Cords Needed
Fuel cells allow consumers to enjoy a truly wire-less experience, carrying replacement fuel cartridges
instead of power cords and adapters. By simply inserting a new fuel cartridge, in some systems even
while the device continues to operate normally, a fuel cell will be recharged and able to run for many
more hours.

Safe Use
The fuel supplied to portable fuel cells is from an external source (the fuel cartridge); while a batterys
active materials must be stored inside the battery. Because of this, fuel cells have safety advantages over
batteries, in that nothing will happen under even abnormal conditions such as an external short, overcharge or overload during a recharging process.

Light Weight
Portable fuel cartridges have a significant weight and volume advantage over batteries. Portable fuel
cartridges carry higher energy content than any current battery, which means less weight and less bulk
for the same energy supply. In order to double a fuel cells run time, a user only needs to double the
amount of fuel (cartridges), rather than carrying a heavy second battery.

Life Saving Potential

Long run times, instant refueling capability, silent operation and light weight compared to batteries all
add up to systems that can save lives. Power for first responders, such as ambulance and medical teams,
firefighters, and other emergency response personnel, is critical. When peoples lives depend on it, a
power supply that can be more mobile and last longer is a big plus.

Convenient, clean, safe power on-demand.

Green technology, creating green jobs.

Possible military
portable applications:
Individual service members power needs
of sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, etc.
Field electronics such as computers &
phones
Camp & squad power
Transportation including manned and
unmanned vehicles for tactical combat,
base/local transport, and support.

Military Applications
Fuel cells have the potential to dramatically change how the military carries out its
missions, and how service members operate in the field. With the largest, most
technologically advanced military in the world, the U.S. armed services use an immense
amount of fuel and electricity, and any use of alternative energy would have positive
effects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to their environmental
savings, fuel cells are of particular interest to the military because of unique technical
features that can aid service members in the field.

The military has power needs that are quite different from commercial or
residential applications. In a combat setting, stealth is of the utmost
importance, since noise and heat signatures can be used to locate
military personnel. Fuel cells have no moving parts and are extremely
quiet with a low noise signature, making them more difficult to
detect by remote infrared scanning. Batteries give off significant
heat, but fuel cells can operate close to body temperature,
reducing their heat signature. Due to their scalability and power output capabilities, fuel cells have been demonstrated and tested for
use in numerous military applications. See the sidebar for more information and
applications for portable fuel
cells in all branches
of the military.

quiet, lightweight,
uninterrupted power

Military Applications
Military Need for Power.
Modern military systems use an increasing amount of
power.The military is considering fuel cells to lighten
the load that service members must carry while also
extending run time and providing uninterrupted power.
Advanced electronics are needed for modern missions.
The batteries that power them today are heavy, and
need to be replaced daily, and then recycled or safely
disposed of. During Operation Iraqi Freedom for
example, battery supplies barely met demand.
Lives depend on the products workingfuel cells have
no age-related downtime and do not degrade over
time.They are uninterruptible power supplies.

Warfighters need power to operate

increasingly sophisticated equipment
and weaponry.
Warfighters may carry anywhere from 50 to 100
pounds in their packs, depending on mission and
proximity to camp. Up to half of the weight may
be batteries.
Modern missions rely on advanced electronics, and less
weight needed for power means more capability for
the warfighter.
During missions, warfighters already have a lot to
contend with, and worrying about whether their electronics have enough power should not be a concern.

Forward bases need power for

operations and defense.
Conventional generators are noisy and hot, and
expose camps to detection because of high noise and
heat signatures.
Supplying fuel is difficult and expensive. Oil sources
and prices are volatile, and lack of supply can limit
operations.
Batteries are heavy and need recharging. Local grids
can be unreliable or vulnerable.
Missions can be unpredictable and last much longer
than anticipated, requiring backup power for longer
periods of time.
Logistics of moving and carrying fuel can limit
combat operations.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are remote
controlled or self-piloted aircraft that can be used
to collect surveillance data or deploy weapons, all without
putting service members in harms way. UAVs have been used
since the 1950s, but technological advances have made UAVs an
invaluable resource for modern warfare. Fuel cell powered UAVs
can increase flight duration, are smaller, more flexible, and allow
for more persistent surveillance, and improved search and rescue
capabilities.

Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Fuel cell power systems have also proved advantageous for
unmanned vehicles on land, or UGVs. UGVs are remote
controlled vehicles that can gather surveillance information while
keeping service members safe. To be useful, UGVs need to have a
long enough range to get to mission critical areas, and they need
to be able to power the necessary on-board electronics to
gather data. Fuel cells have demonstrated dramatically increased
range and mission time compared to batteries in UGVs, and
achieved these improvements at a fraction of the cost.

Silent Watch/Silent Camp

Fuel cell power systems can be used in silent watch and silent
camp operations. As the name suggests, silent watch is when
surveillance activities are undertaken in a stealth manner, and
silent camp is when the whole camp goes dark and quiet. Fuel
cells can be used in these instances to provide quiet power to
on-board electronics of vehicles as well as provide reliable
electricity to camps at a heat level far less detectable
than batteries.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Naval Ships

Fuel cells offer increased capabilities to naval forces, as fuel cells
can meet the unique power requirements of unmanned
underwater vehicles (UUVs). UUVs can provide the warfighter
at sea with greater underwater surveillance and mine countermeasure capabilities not otherwise available.

Fuel cells are also important to the future of naval ships as

they can increase fuel efficiency, while reducing fuel cost and be
deployed in a distributed configuration. Currently, the engines on
surface ships are located in a single, centralized spot, and if the
engine is taken out or destroyed, the ship is disabled. Fuel cells
can provide a decentralized shipboard power source
allowing for greater design flexibility, while also increasing
survivability in combat.

Looking Forward
Continued innovations in fuel cell technology will
bring more powerful, reliable and lightweight fuel
cells to power the future.

Transforming
the energy
network

Fuel cell technology will continue to improve in

the coming years to be smaller, more powerful
and even more reliable. The most significant
innovation that will occur will be the continued
miniaturization of fuel cells, both in storage of fuel
and in the system itself. As storage possibilities for
hydrogen and other fuel sources of fuel cells is
improved, the systems will become even more
lightweight and will provide longer runtime. In
addition, as fuel cells themselves continue to be
miniaturized, they will be able to be integrated
into electronic devices far more easily.

Conclusions
The portable fuel cell industry has made great strides in advancing fuel
cell technology and preparing the marketplace for commercialization.
Portable fuel cells are bringing power to market for use in applications
that are becoming more and more necessary to our daily lives. Creative
application of these fuel cells is almost unlimited in possibilities.

Fuel Cell &

Hydrogen Energy
Association
The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy
Association (FCHEA) is the advocacy
organization dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. FCHEA and
its membership are at the forefront
of efforts to transform the energy
network, fundamentally altering the
way energy is generated and used.
Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies
are being commercially deployed
today to solve critical problems in our
energy infrastructure and deliver
clean, reliable power to leading edge
corporate, academic and public sector users. FCHEA's membership represents the full spectrum of the
supply chain from universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade
associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers,
hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users.
For more information about the
FCHEA, visit: www.fchea.org

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