Fuel Cells: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

A fuel cell was first invented in 1839. Since then many works have been done and fuel cells will be really commercialized in the fields of stationary uses, electric vehicles and mobile applications in the near future. Considering the world climate change due to the large consumption of fossil fuels, we have to create a clean energy system as soon as possible. The hydrogen energy system would be the best energy system against the global warming. In order to utilize the hydrogen energy, fuel cell systems are most suitable. The development should be encouraged much more in the worldwide scale. © 2008 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.