The global fuel cell market can be divided into three fields of application, namely mobile, stationary and portable. Different applications with major variations in development levels and future market potential can be attributed to the individual sectors.
Stationary applications
The purpose of stationary applications is decentralised power generation which includes the following:
- Micro/mini combined heat and power plants (1 to 30 kW output)
- Combined heat and power stations (30 to 5000 kW output)
- Combined plants with fuel cells and gas turbines (5 to 60 MW output)
- Energy supply in residential homes (up to 50 kW)
Mobile applications
In this case, fuel cells are predominantly used by the military as well as in the traffic and aerospace industries. Some examples are:
- Private cars (2 x 25 kW stacks)
- Busses (stacks with a total output of 120 kW)
- Ships (including boots) with very different output
- Special applications in space and military technology
Portable applications
Attractive application possibilities for consumers include:
- Notebooks
- Mobile telephones
- Camcorders
- Camping accessories
- Tools
- Garden equipment
- Battery replacement
- Leisure-time articles (kick-boards)....