FUEL CELLS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Early attempts to generate electrical energy electrochemically are briefly discussed. The author in 1932 chose the hydrogen-oxygen cell to work on, as this appeared to give most promise of practical results. The approach throughout was from an engineering point of view. The various stages through which the work passed are described, leading finally to the development and construction, in the United States, of a fully automatic power source that provides the auxiliary power for the command and service modules in the Apollo space project. A brief description is given of other types of hydrogen- oxygen cell, for example the ion-exchange membrane type used in the Gemini flights. Great efforts are now being made all over the world to adapt the fuel cell for use with conventional hydrocarbon fuels and air; the many difficulties that must be overcome before a unit suitable for ordinary commercial use can be achieved will be enumerated. The experience built up in the field of fuel cells is now being applied to the development of lightweight electrochemical storage systems, the need for which is becoming of paramount importance, especially for the propulsion of city traffic. © 1969.