Fuel Cell Fundamentals [Hardcover]

Ryan O'Hayre (Author), Suk-Won Cha (Author), Whitney Colella (Author), Fritz B. Prinz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471741485 | ISBN-13: 978-0471741480 | Publication Date: December 2, 2005

Fuel Cell Fundamentals is an introductory-level textbook covering the basic science and engineering behind fuel cell technology. Focusing on the fundamentals, it provides straightforward descriptions of how fuel cells work, why they offer the potential for high efficiency, and how their unique advantages can best be used. Emphasis is placed on the founding scientific principles that govern fuel cell operations. Designed to be accessible to fuel cell beginners, it is suitable for any engineering or science major with a background in calculus, basic physics, and elementary thermodynamics. The book is divided in two parts: The first (and largest part), "Fuel Cell Principles" focuses on basic fuel cell physics. The second part: "Fuel Cell Technology" provides a brief discussion of the practical applications of fuel cell technology. Fuel Cell Fundamentals provides examples, problems, and pedagogy for classroom use. A solutions manual is available.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A unique presentation of the basic science and engineering behind fuel cells

Fuel Cell Fundamentals is an accessible, introductory book that thoroughly covers the basic science and engineering behind fuel cell technology. Emphasizing the founding scientific principles that govern fuel cell operations, it provides straightforward descriptions of how fuel cells work, why they offer the potential for high efficiency, and how their unique advantages can best be used.

Fuel Cell Fundamentals assumes no prior knowledge of fuel cells or electrochemistry and is accessible to fuel cell beginners and any engineering or science major with a background in calculus, basic physics, and elementary thermodynamics. It's conveniently divided into two parts:

• Part I: Fuel Cell Principles—focuses on basic fuel cell physics, including illustrated diagrams, examples, text boxes, and review questions that foster an intuitive understanding of fuel cells
• Part II: Fuel Cell Technology—presents a discussion of the practical applications of fuel cell technology, including valuable information on selecting the best fuel cell for a given application and how to design a complete system

About the Author

RYAN O'HAYRE, PhD, is serving an NSF fellowship at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands.

SUK-WON CHA, PhD, is an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Seoul National University.

WHITNEY COLELLA, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.

FRITZ B. PRINZ, PhD, is the Rodney H. Adams Professor in the School of Engineering and serves as Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (December 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471741485
• ISBN-13: 978-0471741480
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provides clear, interesting overview, December 7, 2005

By 

K. Lynn (Stanford, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fuel Cell Fundamentals (Hardcover)

This book does a fabulous job of providing a clear, interesting overview of fuel cells. Without assuming any previous knowledge, the book introduces the reader to the necessary fuel cell science, including thermodynamics, charge and mass transport, and reaction kinetics. The book also introduces the five types of fuel cells (PEMFC, PAFC, AFC, MCFC, SOFC) and gives the reader a good understanding of the characteristics, advantages and disadvtanges to each one, allowing for easy comparison. As a student, this textbook seemlessly guided me through the fuel cells class and left me with a strong, deeper understanding of fuel cells (and an ability to intelligently discuss them!). I still reference my textbook frequently and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about fuel cells.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of "Fuel Cell Fundamentals" by R. O'Hayre et al., December 24, 2007

By 

William Sirignano (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fuel Cell Fundamentals (Hardcover)

This book is the best one that I could find to introduce the reader to the technology and underlying science of fuel cells. The quality of the presentation is high but yet it is easy to read. The emphasis on the fundamentals is appreciated. The book has discussions of the relevant thermodynamics, transport science, and chemical kinetics in the early chapters with a supporting appendix on quantum-mechanical issues. Then, it addresses modeling and characterization of fuel cells and fuel-cell systems. Environmental impact is also addressed in the last chapter. The book relies on both mathematics and physical arguments to present the concepts and information. A student at the senior level or graduate level in a program of engineering, physics, or chemistry should have no difficulty with this book. Problem exercises are suggested in the book. Consequently, it can be used as either a textbook or reference book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best introductory book on fuel cells available, December 18, 2005

By 

Y.B. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fuel Cell Fundamentals (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent introduction to fuel cells for the novice as well as a valuable reference for someone with more experience. It does not assume prior knowledge on the one hand, yet provides enough depth to be of interest for people already in the fuel cell field. When I first became interested in fuel cells, I did a survey of all the books available and this one best suited my needs by far. It is very readable and the explanations provide both quantitative scientific rigor as well as supporting, intuitive reasoning. I highly recommend this book - when you finish reading it you will have a solid foundation in fuel cell science and technology.