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→Fuel Cells
On the horizon for sea transportation are two promising fuel-cell technologies: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC).<ref>Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable technology, http://solstice.crest.org/hydrogen/hydrogen_fuelcell_intro.html</ref> They operate at a fairly low temperature (50-100 °C and 50-200 °C, respectively) compared to other fuel cell technologies, warm up quickly and don't require expensive containment structures.
DMFC fuel cells use a reformer to generate the hydrogen from some other fuel, such as methanol (wood alcohol). Methanol used to be distilled from wood but today is usually processed from natural gas. Methanol is stored at atmospheric pressure, usually in a mild steel tank.<ref>Methanol Institute http://www.methanol.org/health-and-safety/frequently-asked-questions.aspx</ref>
A basic fuel cell is about 80% efficient at producing electricity. DMFCs are around 40% efficient.<ref>Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable technology, http://solstice.crest.org/hydrogen/hydrogen_fuelcell_intro.html</ref>