微小型燃料電池技術之研究

Abstract

Fuel Cells are one of the most promising technologies for the power source of the future. The fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts energy into electricity and heat without combustion. It is different from a battery in that it does not release energy stored in the cell. Instead the energy is converted from a hydrogen laden fuel directly into electricity. The use of fuel cells in its cleanest state does not emit pollutants. Micro fuel cells are being developed as a result of a growing need to power a wide range of very powerful devices such as: personal communications devices, portable computers, personal data assistants, consumer products, digital cameras and so on. Presently, there is a shift taking place in the secondary battery market [4]. Lithium ion batteries are gaining significant market share over older nickel based chemistries, however even this technology is starting to approach its theoretical limits. Because fuel cells have a higher specific energy density than conventional batteries, they are expected to penetrate the growing portable power supply market as rapidly as lithium ion chemistry has done with secondary batteries [5]. The primary purpose of this paper is to research the developments of micro fuel cells and analyze drivers and constraints of the industry. This paper will explore the patent research method as a source for primary data in technology innovation. The research will include a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in order to obtain primary information on the micro fuel cell sector. Further research into secondary sources will be used to supplement the primary information.

Fuel Cells are one of the most promising technologies for the power source of the future. The fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts energy into electricity and heat without combustion. It is different from a battery in that it does not release energy stored in the cell. Instead the energy is converted from a hydrogen laden fuel directly into electricity. The use of fuel cells in its cleanest state does not emit pollutants. Micro fuel cells are being developed as a result of a growing need to power a wide range of very powerful devices such as: personal communications devices, portable computers, personal data assistants, consumer products, digital cameras and so on. Presently, there is a shift taking place in the secondary battery market [4]. Lithium ion batteries are gaining significant market share over older nickel based chemistries, however even this technology is starting to approach its theoretical limits. Because fuel cells have a higher specific energy density than conventional batteries, they are expected to penetrate the growing portable power supply market as rapidly as lithium ion chemistry has done with secondary batteries [5]. The primary purpose of this paper is to research the developments of micro fuel cells and analyze drivers and constraints of the industry. This paper will explore the patent research method as a source for primary data in technology innovation. The research will include a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in order to obtain primary information on the micro fuel cell sector. Further research into secondary sources will be used to supplement the primary information.