BASIC ORGANISATION OF FUEL CELLS

Types of fuel cells differ mainly by the electrolyte type and process temperature. The systems use different chemical reactions happening on electrodes and the efficacy of electrochemical conversion.

 

Organisation of fuel cells by process temperature:

Ø  Low temperature 60 – 130 °C

Ø  Medium temperature 160 – 220 °C

Ø  High temperature 600 – 1050 °C

Organisation of fuel cells by electrolyte type:

Ø  Alkaline fuel cells (AFC’s) in which the electrolyte is mainly diluted potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Ø  Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC’s) in which the electrolyte is solid organic polymer

Ø  Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC’s) in which the electrolyte is phosphoric acid (HPO₃)

Ø  Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC’s) in which the electrolyte is a mixture of melted carbonates

Ø  Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC’s) in which the electrolyte are oxides of chosen metals[1]

Hydrogen-powered cars with fuel cells must include other substantial parts without which they could not run.

Fuel tank: One or more cylinders store compressed hydrogen under a pressure of 30 to 70 MPa.

Battery: Stores electric energy and supports the car when accelerating. Energy collected by recuperation changes kinetic energy when braking or deceleration to electric power.

Electric engine: An engine with high torque drives the front or back axle. Energy is sourced directly from the fuel cell or the battery. It needs less maintenance than a combustion engine.