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Fig-3
this Fig. shows the process that goes on inside an
individual fuel cell.
Fig-4
PHOSPHORIC ACID
This type of fuel cell is
available for commercial
use today. More than 200
fuel cell systems have
been installed all over the
world - in hospitals,
hotels, an airport terminal
and even in schools. The
operating temperature is
about 200°C.
Fig-5
DIRECT METHANOL
• These cells are similar to the Proton Exchange
Membrane fuel cells in that they both use a polymer
membrane as the electrolyte. However, in the Direct
Methanol Fuel Cell, liquid methanol is used as a fuel
rather than gaseous hydrogen.
ALKALINE
• This is one of the oldest
designs. It has been used
in the space program
since the 1960s. AFC
may well be one of the
first to be commercialised
for non-portable
applications. This is
mainly because they offer
the possibility of running
without Pt and hence
AFCs can be made very
cheap.
Fig-6
MOLTEN CARBONATE
• These fuel cells are best
suited for large scale
power generation, e.g. to
replace power stations.
They operate at 600°C so
the water produced is
emitted as very high
temperature steam. This
steam can be used to
power a turbine and so
generate even more
electricity.
Fig-7
ZINC AIR FUEL CELL
In a typical zinc / air fuel cell, there is a gas diffusion
electrode (GDE) a permeable membrane that allows
atmospheric oxygen to pass through, a zinc anode
separated by electrolyte, and some form of mechanical
separators. After the oxygen has converted into the
hydroxyl ions and water, the hydroxyl ions will travel
through the electrolyte, and reaches the zinc anode.
Here, it reacts with the zinc, and forms zinc oxide. This
process creates an electric current.
PROTONIC CERAMIC FUEL CELL
• This is similar to the solid oxide fuel cell, but would
operate at slightly lower temperature (500-700°C). The
electrolyte allows the passage of protons (Hydrogen
ions, H+).
• Similar to Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.
• Not very developed, still in research stage.
Solid Oxide
These fuel cells are best
suited for large-scale
power generation that
could provide electricity
for factories or towns.
This type of fuel cell
operates at very high
temperatures (up to
1000°C)
Fig-8
Regenerative (Reversible) Fuel
Cells
Regenerative fuel cells would be attractive as a closed-
loop form of power generation. Water is separated into
hydrogen and oxygen by a solar-powered electrolyser.
The hydrogen and oxygen are fed into the fuel cell
which generates electricity and water. The water is then
re-circulated back to the solar-powered electrolyser and
the process begins again.
These types of fuel cells are currently being researched
by NASA and others worldwide.
Technology comparison
ADVANTAGES
Zero Emissions
High efficiency
Rapid load-following
Low temperatures
Refueling time
High-cost catalyst
New technology
Ice
Lack of infrastructures
FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS
Applications for Portable and Battery Substitution