Lower energy in fuel cell gas diffusion

A key role for high performance nonwovens in fuel cells is outlined in a new patent secured by two UK companies.

Fuel cells produce electricity and heat from a fuel (often hydrogen) and oxygen (usually from the air), but unlike conventional engines, do this without burning the fuel and are both cleaner and more efficient. And unlike batteries, they don’t run out of power and have to be recharged or disposed of, but will continue to function and produce power as long as the fuel and air are supplied to them.

In principle, they could power any device that requires electrical energy, ranging from laptops and mobile phones to cars, houses and factories. Recent developments have suggested that laptops may be the next commercial application for them.

In addition to the potential to use less fuel than competing technologies and to emit no pollutants when used, there are also site-specific and application-specific reasons why fuel cells can be superior to existing technology such as their high quality power, which is especially useful in electronics, their silent operation and their low thermal signature which could prove advantageous in military applications.