The lab also is using computer models to come up with designs that can be started more quickly. The alliance sees other uses for the fuel cells within the next decade, particularly for the military. Internal combustion engines have a fuel efficiency of 17 to 20 percent. With fuel cheap, that inefficiency isn't a problem. But the military is interested in more efficient systems even if they are more costly because less fuel would need to be hauled to battle zones.
Fuel cells are about three times as efficient as an internal combustion engine.
Initially, the military could use them to power equipment carried by soldiers, such as global positioning systems. But eventually they could be used to power ships and submarines. The Richland laboratory has about 25 people working on the fuel cells project now, but that could double within the next few years, Singhal said. Copyright 2000 Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved.