Ballard Power System

5 Pages 1206 Words

Ballard Power System is a world leader in developing and commercializing an alternate fuel source called proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power systems. The main product of this corporation is the Ballard Fuel Cell, a zero-emission product that converts natural gas, methanol, or hydrogen fuel directly into electricity without combustion. Over the last several years, many large corporations including DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Nissan, Hitachi, Volkswagen, Volvo, and GPU International have invested large amounts of money into the production of the Ballard Fuel Cell in an attempt to create “stationary electric power plants”, and “zero-emission vehicles”. The fuel cell was first developed in the 1960's by General Electric for NASA. It is now considered as a definite possibility for an alternative power source for the space program as the cost has become increasingly less expensive and the size of the fuel cell stacks have become increasingly smaller.
The possibilities and potential benefits of this technology are endless, but there are many challenges that must be overcome before hydrogen fuel cells will offer a competitive and realistic alternative for consumers.
“Cost is the greatest challenge to fuel cell development and adaptation, and it is a factor in almost all other fuel cell challenges as well.” For example, some fuel cell designs operate by using expensive, ”precious-metal catalysts”, and other materials that are costly but necessary in handling the extreme high temperatures that are created when converting hydrogen to a useable energy source. Another important technical challenge that Ballard and the auto manufactures are facing is the need to increase durability and dependability. The high temperature in the fuel cells creates a “material breakdown” and adversely affects operating lifetimes. PEM fuel cells must have effective water management systems to operate dependably and ...