FuelCell Energy, MTU and the Direct Fuel Cell

The Direct FuelCell was developed by the American company, FuelCell Energy, in the 1970s. It is based on molten carbonate technology and is able to utilise a variety of hydrocarbon fuels without the need for prior reforming. The technology has been licensed to MTU Friedrichshafen, part of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation which has incorporated it into its HotModule combined heat and power unit. The synergistic relationship between the two companies, along with the cooperation of a number of other organisations, has facilitated the development of the concept and led to a number of successful field trials in recent years.