Page - 89 - in Our Car as Power Plant

89 Since the production of power in a fuel cell is directly coupled to the generated heat, (control) strategies, software and hardware architectures have to be developed that respond flexibly and robustly to various demand signals. For instance when only heat is required, the excess power should be stored or fed away into the power grid. Hydrogen production- and storage technology is crucial and needs to be improved. Also the conversion efficiencies and hydrogen quality for steam reforming need to be im- proved, i.e. the conversion of natural gas and biogas into hydrogen. To convert electricity into hydrogen, improved electrolysis systems with higher conversion efficiencies are necessary. Research and development in promising new technologies such as direct methane reforming and direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen is essential. For all of these hydrogen conversion technologies, the need for small, reliable and safe systems is evident.