Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
possible to compensate for fluctuations in solar cells or wind turbine supplies before
connection to the grid, and would promote the introduction of renewable energies.
In addition, having a redundancy of energy supply would be beneficial to make the
society more resilient against disasters.
4.8
In Conclusion: Future Energy Technologies and
Society
We have looked at the theory, the technology and the application of fuel cells, with
special emphasis on PEFC and SOFC types. Even though they are both fuel cells
working under the same theory of energy conversion, they are quite different in their
materials and merits/demerits and thus in their optimum applications. The same can
be said for any other energy technology, so knowing every detail is important in
appropriate selection and introduction of a technology. On the other hand, effective
utilization of an energy technology may require a change in society and the life-
style of the people. Decision makers should consider not only the technology and
economics at the present moment, but should develop a plan or vision for an ideal
future society. For that, again, correct understanding of technologies is essential.
