Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through an electromechanical reaction – like a battery.
European Market for Fuel Cell Technology: Trends And Forecast to 2018′ provides a comprehensive analysis of the market by application (Portable, Stationary, Transport), type (PEMFC, DMFC, PAFC, SOFC, MCFC), fuel (Hydrogen, Natural Gas, Methanol, Anaerobic Digester Gas) and geographic region.
Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through an electromechanical reaction – like a battery. The only difference is that the fuel is supplied from outside, thereby making the fuel cell feel like an engine converting fuel into electricity without burning it. Fuel cells are of different types such as proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and many more differentiated options based on the components used and the type of reaction taking place within the cell. A variety of fuels can be used such as hydrogen, methanol, biogas, natural gas, and hydrocarbons. When working with hydrogen, fuel cells generate water as an outcome and give electricity with zero emission. Fuel cells are gaining importance as the demand for clean energy is increasing and due to the continuous depletion of oil and gas reserves.
For more details: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/2pdizb/european_market_for_fuel_cell_technology_tre