Fuel cells are advanced energy conversion and power generation systems with inherent high-energy conversion efficiency and environmentally-friendly operation. Fuel cells offer a realistic answer to the world's urgent need for pollution-free and efficient power. They represent an increasingly vital issue to engineers, the transportation industry and government. Fuel cells can achieve zero emission, and meeting the toughest emission standards; they are compatible with renewable energy sources and carriers with sustainable development. Due to their interdisciplinary nature, fuel cells involve and require knowledge of engineering thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, mass transfer, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, manufacturing and design, engineering optimization, materials science and engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, and electrical engineering.
In this important textbook on fuel cells, aimed at senior-level undergraduates and first-year graduate students, Professor Licovers the fundamentals of this important topic as well as performance evaluation and applications. Among the highlighted topics is PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells) type of Fuel Cells - the newest type of fuel cells that can operate at temperatures less than 100?C, while many other types require temperatures as high as 1000?C. In addition to fuel cell technology courses, this engineering-oriented textbook will be suitable for courses in energy conversion and advanced energy technologies, as well as courses on fuel cell technology. The combination of these fundamental and applied aspects will also make Principles of Fuel Cells a valuable reference for practicing engineers, researchers in the field and automobile manufacturers.
