Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbon fuels have several market advantages over other potential fuel cell fuels, primarily its universal distribution. Fuels like methanol, propane, natural gas and diesel are readily available in most parts of the world.

Hydrocarbon fuels also typically cost much less than other fuels on a dollars per BTU (British Thermal Unit) basis. This cost advantage can improve fuel cell system economics and bring products to market faster.

The primary challenges with traditional hydrocarbon fuels are sulfur content and their high reforming temperatures. Many industry participants, including IdaTech, are making significant progress towards making reliable and low cost hydrocarbon reformers a reality in the future.