A NEW APPROACH TO FUEL-CELL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Siemens fuel cell activities concentrate on solid oxide fuel cell (SOF C) and polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cell (PEM FC) development, an d direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) research. Commercial application ha s, to date, been achieved in the field of PEM FCs for air-independent propulsion. A specific development project is being conducted aimed at the verification of an innovative cell concept to match the competiti ve cost of PEM FCs. SOFC development aims at decentralized power and c ombined heat and power (CHP) plants. Following the success achieved in the 10-kW class, a first prototype system with a power rating of 100 kW is scheduled for the year 2001. Achieving a cost advantage over com petitive technologies is to be seen as the driving force behind all ef forts. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.