Fuel Cell Systems Explained (Second Edition) [Hardcover]

James Larminie (Author), Andrew Dicks (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 047084857X | ISBN-13: 978-0470848579 | Publication Date: April 21, 2003 | Edition: 2nd

Building on the success of the first edition Fuel Cell Systems Explained presents a balanced introduction to this growing area.

"In summary, an altogether satisfying book that puts within its covers the academic tools necessary for explaining fuel cell systems on a multidisciplinary basis." Power Engineering Journal

"An excellent book….well written and produced." Journal of Power and Energy

Fully revised and updated, the second edition:

• Provides an essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems.
• Includes full and updated coverage of fuel processing and hydrogen generation and storage systems.
• Presents a full and clear explanation of the operation of all the major fuel cell types, and an introduction to possible future technology, such as biological fuel cells
• Features a new chapter on the direct methanol fuel cell.
• Now includes examples of the modelling, design and engineering of real fuel cell systems.
• A clear overview of fuel cell operation and thermodynamics
• Coverage of the complete fuel cell system including compressors, turbines, and the electrical and electronic sub-systems such as regulators, inverters, grid inter-ties, electric motors, and hybrid fuel cell/battery systems.

Assuming no prior knowledge of fuel cell chemistry, this reference comprehensively brings together all of the key topics encompassed by this diverse field. Practitioners, researchers and students in electrical, power, chemical and automotive engineering will continue to benefit from this essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...readable and easily comprehensible, and is a useful addition to a fuel cell library." (Hydrogen Fuel Cell Letter, 2000)

"...will be successful in providing a wealth of valuable information in a format that will lead newcomers to the subject to a good understanding of fuel cells and fuel cell systems." (Journal of Power Sources, 2000)

"...can be recommended for all seeking a working background of this ongoing technology." (Measurement and Control, October 2000)

"...fulfills its title splendidly." (IEE Review, November 2000)

"Its practical approach must commend it strongly" (Aslib Book Guide, October 2000)

"I think this is an excellent book which every applied thermodynamicist should read." (Journal of Power Energy, Vol 215, 2001)

"....essential guide to the principles, designs and application of fuel cell systems." (European Power Electronics & Drives Journal, September 2001)

"...focused primarily towards those individuals who would like to quickly learn about fuel cells, and perhaps be able to contribute this evolving technology." (IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, Vol. 18, No. 2, March/April 2002) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Fuel cell technology is developing at a rapid pace, thanks to the increasing awareness of the need for pollution-free power sources. Moreover, new developments in catalysts and improved reliability have made fuel cells viable candidates in a broad range of applications, from small power stations, to cars, laptop computers and mobile phones. Building on the success of the first edition Fuel Cell Systems Explained presents a balanced introduction to this growing area.

"In summary, an altogether satisfying book that puts within its covers the academic tools necessary for explaining fuel cell systems on a multidisciplinary basis." Power Engineering Journal

"An excellent book?.well written and produced." Journal of Power and Energy

Fully revised and updated, the second edition:

• Provides an essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems.

• Includes full and updated coverage of fuel processing and hydrogen generation and storage systems.

• Presents a full and clear explanation of the operation of all the major fuel cell types, and an introduction to possible future technology, such as biological fuel cells

• Features a new chapter on the direct methanol fuel cell.

• Now includes examples of the modelling, design and engineering of real fuel cell systems.

• A clear overview of fuel cell operation and thermodynamics

• Coverage of the complete fuel cell system including compressors, turbines, and the electrical and electronic sub-systems such as regulators, inverters, grid inter-ties, electric motors, and hybrid fuel cell/battery systems.

Assuming no prior knowledge of fuel cell chemistry, this reference comprehensively brings together all of the key topics encompassed by this diverse field. Practitioners, researchers and students in electrical, power, chemical and automotive engineering will continue to benefit from this essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 406 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2nd edition (April 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047084857X
• ISBN-13: 978-0470848579
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,980 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Fuel Cells, August 4, 2000

By 

Roger C. Penn (Vancouver, BC Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fuel Cell Systems Explained (Hardcover)

This book is an actual text book that can be used for self learning. It is a year 2000 publication so it has up-to-date information on all types of fuel cells including an in depth chapter on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells that most other books lack.

The authors develop concepts and formulas in such a way that you don't have to have a PhD in electrochemistry to understand the subject. It also gives specific examples of the concepts and formulas to show how to use them.

This book doesn't just cover the fuel cells themselves but goes into fuel reforming, pumps, electric motors and DC/AC inverters. It has many useful diagrams, tables and photos of fuel cells and their applications. I highly recommend this book to anyone who deals with any aspect of fuel cells.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encompassing. Helpfully Technical--Yet Also Very Readable., June 5, 2001

By 

Robert Wilder (Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fuel Cell Systems Explained (Hardcover)

Fuel cells including their ranging balance of plant, are quite difficult to write about in usefully technical fashion, because the authors must have expertise across so many various disciplines: i.e. chemistry, engineering, materials, thermodynamics, systems theory, etc.

Yet Larminie and Dicks are clearly up to the task, and we are the more fortunate for it. They've done the trick of not only writing a technically-inclined and broadly encompassing work for a fast-growing field (one that's much in need of such books now)--but they've also done it in a way that's surprisingly quite readable.

This book could serve as an excellent self-instruction text for those new to fuel cells, or as a very helpful text for experts in particular fuel cell types who wish to brush up on other systems. And it could be used in any university level class. Should I be pursuaded to lend my copy briefly to someone I know well, then I shall also take care to ensure that I get it back promptly!

It is quite reasonably up to date and highlights for instance Basic Principles; Efficiencies and Voltages; PEMFCs, AFCs, PAFCs; MCFCs; SOFCs; various possible fuel types; compressors, turbines, fans, blowers (etc); delivering FC power, among other topics.

Remarkably, this book even happened to cover a very wide swath of topics that are of a personal interest--despite their diversity. I might suggest more discussion on just a few quite developing topics like sodium borohydride as an H2 storage/generation medium. Yet I note too that near-term emerging topics like that (and much farther off, potential blue sky topics like carbon nanotubes) are likely best left for a future edition of this excellent book.

In sum, I highly recommend this book. It's usefully technical yet readable, essential for fuel cell enthusiasts. Though rather dear, it is I believe well worth the price...

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great starting point, December 19, 2001

By 

Thomas P. Smith "energy lush" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fuel Cell Systems Explained (Hardcover)

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to get into the fuel cell industry. I am a graduate researcher at a fuel cell lab and after borrowing my copy several colleagues have purchased their own. It gives a complete survey of the major fuel cell technologies and additionally covers many of related issue effecting fuel cell commercialization such as fuel storage. This text is very suited for a undergraduate course in fuel cells.