Can fuel cell systems be efficient and effective as domestic distributed generation units?

Access to sustainable energy and its affordability are key indicators of better standard of living. The economics of extending grid electricity to low density rural areas of South Africa forbid such undertaking. Platinum group metals (PGMs) are the key catalytic materials used in most fuel cells, and with more than 75% of the world´s known platinum reserves found within South African borders, there is great potential for socio-economic benefits to be obtained from these natural resources. This paper presents the system design and concept of developing a fuel cell system for domestic household use. This system could theoretically provide the thermal energy need and electricity use as an efficient and effective domestic combined heat and power (dCHP) system.