Fuel Cells Types

 

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)

*   Operating temperature:  50-100°C

*   Mobile ion:  H+

*   Application: vehicles and mobile possibilities

*   Uses one of the simplest reactions

 

 

 

Alkaline (AFC)

*   Operating temperature:  50-200°C

*   Mobile ion:  OH-  

*   One of the oldest designs

*   Used by NASA

*   Downfall: Requires pure hydrogen and oxygen

 

 

Phosphoric Acid (PAFC)

*   Operating temperature:  ~220°C

*   Mobile ion:  H+

*   Application: 200kW stationary power plants currently in use

*   Downfall: Longer warm-up time than PEM

 

 

Molten Carbonate (MCFC)

*   Operating temperature:  ~650°C

*   Mobile ion:  CO32-

*   Application: large power generators

*   Benefit: Excess heat can heat water or generate additional power

 

Solid Oxide (SOFC)

*   Operating temperature:  500-1000°C

*   Mobile ion:  O2-

*   Application: power stations for factories or towns

*   Downfall: High temperatures create a reliability problem

 

Fuel Cell Comparison