Κυψέλες ενέργειας για σπίτια. Fuel Cells for the Home

www.wfs.org/futurist/2014-issues-futuris.../fuel-cells-for-home

We couldn’t have gotten to the Moon without fuel cells, but so far this electricity-conversion technology hasn’t been very practical for homeowners on Earth. Now, a fuel-cell system that could provide electricity for a family of four is under development in Germany.

Scientists at Fraunhofer IKTS and heater manufacturer Vaillant are testing a system of stacked thin fuel cells that convert natural gas into electricity and heat. The system uses ceramics for the fuel cells’ electrolyte, which transfers oxygen ions rather than electrons; the system is thus able to work efficiently at far higher temperatures than traditional solid fuel cells.

The fuel-cell system is now being tested in private households. The researchers’ next goal is to bring down production costs and increase the lifetime of the equipment.

Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS,
www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news...l-cell-for-home.html