Fuel Cell Systems Explained [Hardcover]

James Larminie (Author), Andrew Dicks (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471490261 | ISBN-13: 978-0471490265 | Publication Date: January 15, 2000 | Edition: 1

Provides a clear, accessible introduction to fuel cell technology by setting out the working methods, behaviour, limitations, features and the potential of all major fuel cell types currently in commercial development. Fuel cells are emerging as the practical and versatile solution to the problem of alternative power sources and this book provides a new understanding of fuel cell technology. Assuming no prior knowledge of fuel cell chemistry, this reference comprehensively brings together all of the key topics encompassed by this diverse field.
Features include:
* An overview of fuel cell technology, explaining the operation and fundamental thermodynamics of fuel cells with a clear and well illustrated account of cell construction.
* Detailed accounts of the problems faced by designers of all major fuel cell types currently in commercial development including water management, cooling, air supply, construction methods, operating pressure and reactant composition.
* Up to date coverage of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) cells.
* Description of the main devices for moving, compressing and expanding the gases in fuel cell systems, including relevant formulas.
* Coverage of the complete fuel cell power system including compressors, turbines, fuel processors, hydrogen storage devices, inverters and motors.
* Clear treatment of the electrical and electronic sub-systems, including regulators, grid inter-ties, electric motors and hybrid fuel cell/battery systems.
An essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems, this timely book will prove invaluable to those working and studying within this increasingly important field. Practising electrical, automotive, power and control engineers, undergraduates and graduate students in the areas of thermodynamics, electrical power systems and automotive engineering will find their knowledge and understanding of this developing area greatly enhanced by the Authors' informed and easy-to-read style.

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)

From the Back Cover

Fuel cells are emerging as practical and versatile power sources, which can be more efficient and less environmentally damaging than rival technologies. From mobile phones and electrical vehicles to spacecraft and multi-megawatt power stations, the applications potential for fuel cells is growing rapidly. Fuel Cell Systems Explained provides a new understanding of fuel cell technology by presenting the working methods, behaviour, limitations, features and the potential of fuel cells in clear, accessible terms. 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 benefit from this essential guide to the principles, design and application of fuel cell systems. Features include:
* Foreword by Gary Acres formerly of Johnson Matthey plc, UK.
* A clear overview of fuel cell operation and thermodynamics.
* Comparative analysis of the solutions offered by all major fuel cell types.
* Up-to-date coverage of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) cells.
* An exposition of the methods for processing fuel cell fuels, and storing hydrogen, for both mobile and static applications.
* Coverage of the complete fuel cell power system, including compressors, turbines, and the electrical and electronic sub-systems, including regulators, inverters, grid inter-ties, electric motors and hybrid fuel cell/battery systems.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 1 edition (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471490261
• ISBN-13: 978-0471490265
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,171,002 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.