Fuel cells are revolutionizing power production systems as they are employed more and more in different applications. Fuel cells are considered to be an essential part of solving energy and environmental-related crises to bring about sustainable energy production to meet the growing demands of today’s society. Energy conversion takes place in fuel cells through electrochemical reactions and heat and mass transfer processes. Scientists are currently working to progress and to improve the technical performance of fuel cells to install them in power plants, cars, power supply units (stationary and mobile), submarines, and even in space power supply.

Fuel cells use electrochemical oxidation of gaseous, liquid, or solid chemical substances to achieve the direct conversion of chemical energy into electricity. Fuel cells are classified based on the type of used electrolyte, namely Alkaline cells (AC), Proton Exchange Membrane Cells (MC), Phosphoric Acid Cells (PAC), Molten Carbonate Cells (MCC), and Solid Oxide Cells (SOC). Hydrogen is the common fuel for fuel cells. However, hydrogen is not naturally available and must be produced through the decomposition of hydrogenated materials such as hydrocarbons. This material decomposition which leads to hydrogen production can be either happened inside or outside of the fuel cells. The inside type which is known as internal process or direct fuel cells has this ability to convert hydrocarbons into hydrogen (for example via internal reforming) and then hydrogen into electricity by fuel cells.

This Special Issue will cover present and future trends of fuel cells from an energy point of view, i.e. mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and electrical engineering aspects. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Modelling and experimental validation of fuel cell systems
• Modelling of components in fuel cell systems
• Experimental analysis and characterization of fuel cell systems
• Thermal, flow, and electrochemical analysis of fuel cells systems
• Hybrid system analysis and integration with conventional technology
• Techno-economic analysis of fuel cell systems
• Control strategies for fuel cell systems
• Hydrogen production, transport, and storage
• New electrode materials
• New membrane materials
• Transport phenomena
• Practical case studies
• Multi-level and multi-physics modelling
• Energy management of fuel cell systems