Difference between revisions of "Fuel cell"
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | '''Fuel | + | '''Fuel cell''' engines are primarily used in civilian applications like rail systems, personal transport, and [[IndustrialMech]]s. The engines generate electrical power used by the vehicle to operate its propulsion system. A fuel cell engine has several advantages over the typical [[internal combustion engine]]. While they require an oxidizer to operate, they are readily able to accept a stored oxidizer along with their fuel, making it a good choice for submarines, satellites, and naval applications. As most fuel cells run on hydrogen and oxygen, they have no exhaust other than water vapor; therefore, they are also used as generators for buildings and other large structures.<ref name="TOp133+">''Tactical Operations'', pp. 133-134, "Power Generators"</ref> A fuel cell system is usually about 40% lighter than a comparable internal combustion engine. Their main drawback, when compared to the ICE counterparts, is their range: a fully fueled fuel cell vehicle only has two-thirds the range of a vehicle equipped with a comparable ICE.<ref name="TMp68">''TechManual'', p. 68, "Fuel"</ref> |
| − | Compared to a [[Fusion Engine|fusion]] or [[Fission Engine|fission reactor]], the | + | Compared to a [[Fusion Engine|fusion]] or [[Fission Engine|fission reactor]], the fuel cell's biggest advantages are cost and temperature. They run cooler than an ICE and much cooler than a comparable fusion power plant. In addition, the fuel cell system is much cheaper than a fusion reactor. These advantages are offset by the fuel cell's greater weight, need for fuel, and comparatively low range. Recently several manufacturers have begun creating [[Technology Rating|advanced]] fuel cell engines rated for combat use. Typically these are seen on [[combat vehicle]]s, but manufacturers claim that they can be adapted for use on [[BattleMech]]s.<ref name="TOp36+">''Tactical Operations'', p. 306-308, "Engine Systems"</ref> One drawback to these combat fuel cell engines is that they require the same type of [[power amplifier]]s used on vehicles powered by an ICE system.<ref name="TMp62">''TechManual'', p. 62, "Engines"</ref> |
== Rules == | == Rules == | ||
<div class="gamerules"> | <div class="gamerules"> | ||
=== Game Rules === | === Game Rules === | ||
| − | Fuel cell engines receive a single [[ | + | Fuel cell engines receive a single [[heat sink]] for free. They can carry heat sinks, as listed in the ''TechManual''. |
</div> | </div> | ||
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* ''[[Tactical Operations]]'' | * ''[[Tactical Operations]]'' | ||
* ''[[TechManual]]'' | * ''[[TechManual]]'' | ||
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[[Category: Technology|Fuel Cell]] | [[Category: Technology|Fuel Cell]] | ||
[[Category: Engines|Engine, Fuel Cell]] | [[Category: Engines|Engine, Fuel Cell]] | ||
Revision as of 18:08, 15 June 2022
Description
Fuel cell engines are primarily used in civilian applications like rail systems, personal transport, and IndustrialMechs. The engines generate electrical power used by the vehicle to operate its propulsion system. A fuel cell engine has several advantages over the typical internal combustion engine. While they require an oxidizer to operate, they are readily able to accept a stored oxidizer along with their fuel, making it a good choice for submarines, satellites, and naval applications. As most fuel cells run on hydrogen and oxygen, they have no exhaust other than water vapor; therefore, they are also used as generators for buildings and other large structures.[1] A fuel cell system is usually about 40% lighter than a comparable internal combustion engine. Their main drawback, when compared to the ICE counterparts, is their range: a fully fueled fuel cell vehicle only has two-thirds the range of a vehicle equipped with a comparable ICE.[2]
Compared to a fusion or fission reactor, the fuel cell's biggest advantages are cost and temperature. They run cooler than an ICE and much cooler than a comparable fusion power plant. In addition, the fuel cell system is much cheaper than a fusion reactor. These advantages are offset by the fuel cell's greater weight, need for fuel, and comparatively low range. Recently several manufacturers have begun creating advanced fuel cell engines rated for combat use. Typically these are seen on combat vehicles, but manufacturers claim that they can be adapted for use on BattleMechs.[3] One drawback to these combat fuel cell engines is that they require the same type of power amplifiers used on vehicles powered by an ICE system.[4]
Rules
Game Rules
Fuel cell engines receive a single heat sink for free. They can carry heat sinks, as listed in the TechManual.