Question:
We've heard about many research activities with regard to fuel cell use in automobiles and homes, but can you give us an actual example of such applications?
Most people have probably heard about the use of fuel cells in space research. Alkaline fuel cells were used on the Apollo missions, and are still used in spacecraft today. On the consumer level, we're just now starting to see phosphoric acid fuel cells being used in products. Two to three years ago 100 kWh to 250 kWh–sized phosphoric acid cells were introduced on markets in various parts of the world. There are still only a small number in operation, and the price is high, so they are only used in a limited number of applications. Recently some water treatment plants and beer companies are using methane gas from fermentation of residual fluids as fuel for cells that efficiently produce electricity, thereby cutting energy costs and increasing profits. Also, since fuel cells are highly stable and reliable, they are gaining popularity as backup power sources in computer centers and hospitals.As for molten carbonate and solid oxide type fuel cells, we think that we won't see practical applications for these for another year or two. These cells will be able to produce about 100 kW to 300 kW of electricity, and at this very moment empirical tests are being done on them in many places around the world. As you know, we are currently in a stage of rapid developments in the use of protonexchange membrane type fuel cells as power supplies in automobiles and homes, and are seeking new applications and performing empirical tests.
