A review of fuel cell and energy cogeneration technologies

The current fuel cell technologies are reviewed, with emphasis on their use for combined cycles of heat and power. The advantages of not generating polluting gases in their operation, providing high-energy efficiency and low level of noises are emphasized, as these make them the most adequate solution for several applications, in particular for co-generation of heat and power in combined cycles. The technologies reviewed are alkaline fuel cells, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, microbial fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells; the use of high-temperature fuel cells in combined cycles is discussed, emphasizing the increase in the efficiency.