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Fuel cell types
Fuel cell types are classified by the type of electrolyte that is used. The following types exist:
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Alkaline
(AFC)
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Direct Methanol
(DMFC)
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Molten Carbonate
(MCFC)
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Phosporic Acid
(PAFC)
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Proton Exchange Membrane
(PEMFC)
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Solid Oxide
(SOFC)
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Operating temperature
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60 – 90 0C
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60-130 0C
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650 0C
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200 0C
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80 0C
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1000 0C
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Typical Power generated
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Up to 20 kW
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< 10 kW
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> 1 MW
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> 50 kW
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Up to 250 kW
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> 200 kW
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Applications
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Military
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Portable
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Power stations
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Power stations
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Vehicles, small power stations
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Power stations
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Summary
Fuel cells generate electrical energy using hydrogen and the oxygen of the air. They are less polluting than devices that use traditional fuel and generally more fuel-efficient. As hydrogen is difficult and expensive to handle, often hydrogen is extracted from more traditional fuels like methanol, propane and even diesel oil and gasoline. This process is less efficient than using hydrogen directly. In addition, methods are researched to improve the storage capability for hydrogen. This could increase the overall overall efficiency of the fuel cell system.
Fuel cells are becoming a stable and efficient technology. They also release less pollutants than combustion engines.
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