New opportunities for fuel cells in the restructured power systems of the United States

Conventionally, the fuel-cell power system (FPS) is used mainly to provide electric power, the product. This paper demonstrates that the FPS can also be used to enhance the delivery of electric power – an important service in the new competitive environment in the USA. There are many new applications (and new markets) for the FPS that can provide service as well as power. Some of the new applications may be economical at current prices. Design changes for these new applications involve mainly changes in the power conditioning subsystem and its control.