Until recently they were too costly for commercial applications, but several companies are examining ways to reduce costs and improve operating flexibility. Other Fuel Cells. These cells are similar to the PEM cells in that they both use a polymer membrane as the electrolyte. However, in the DMFC, the anode catalyst itself draws the hydrogen from the liquid methanol, eliminating the need for a fuel reformer. Regenerative fuel cells, also a very young member of the fuel cell family, would be attractive as a closed-loop form of power generation.
Water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen by a solar-powered electrolyser.
The hydrogen and oxygen are fed into the fuel cell which generates electricity, heat and water. The water is then recirculated back to the solar-powered electrolyser and the process begins again. These types of fuel cells are currently being researched by NASA and others worldwide. Fuel Cells Recent Advances in Fuel Cells Comparison of Electric Vehicles, Hybrids, and Fuel Cells Emissions from Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Battery-Powered Electric Vehicles Versus Conventional Vehicles Internet Resources on Fuel Cells Science for Democratic Action Vol.