[kidd]

IMPORTANT

There is no mention AT ALL in this article about automotive fuel cells. The type of fuel cell that is being developed for automotive uses is a PEM type fuel cell.

BUT THIS ARTICLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PEM FUEL CELLS

The PEM fuel cell uses a membrane as an electrolyte. This membrane is highly sensitive to impurities - the impurities accumulate within the membrane and degrade its performance accordingly. PEM fuel cells CANNOT use reformed fuel because very minor amounts of sulfur and chloride will quickly degrade the cell.

The article is still important though - for PAFC type fuel cells. PAFC fuel cells have found good use as a power supply for large buildings (factories, apartment complexes, etc). These devices are about the size of a small one car garage. Such PAFC fuel cell units have built in reformers, and yes, CO removal is a significant part of the reformer.

This is good news for fuel cells, BUT IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CARS

[SunkenCiv]

Sulfur content can be removed at the refinery, so if it were made a priority, fuel cell vehicles using gasoline directly (a sensible approach, given the existing infrastructure, the cost of replacing it, and the cost savings from the elimination of all but one formulation of gasoline) would not have that hurdle.

Clinton wanted hybrids and reformer-equipped fuel cell vehicles, as well as straight electric. GWB wants hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. There are no hydrogen wells, so hydrogen will have to be made from other fuels. In the distant future (25-30 years) there may be a hydrogen distribution infrastructure. I don't think it's a worthwhile idea. A single liquid fuel refining and distribution infrastructure makes the most sense. And it already exists. And I don't need special gloves to fuel my vehicle.

I do agree wholeheartedly with you -- regarding the use of fuel cells to generate electric power. Natural gas can be and is used for fixed-location fuel cells. There is plenty of natural gas. It's got the advantage of being a "green" fuel (from a political standpoint). Also, the ocean floor is lousy with natural gas stored as gas hydrates.

Save the coal to make liquid petroleum fuel for vehicles. :'D And drill the ANWR!

George W. Bush will be reelected by a margin of at least ten per cent