The proton exchange membrane fuel cell - PEMFC

The PEMFC is easy to handle. It is very light, it is very efficient and as reaction gas it requires only atmospheric oxygen instead of pure oxygen. The hydrogen has to have the typical purity.

PEM fuel cells are very sensitive to carbon monoxide (CO). This gas might block the anode catalyst and subsequently lead to a reduced performance.

The electrolyte consists of a solid proton exchange membrane (PEM) made from sulphonated polymer.

The power output of a PEM fuel cell can be controled very dynamically. Therefore it is perfectly suitable for mobile applications and decentralised power plants.

Among the development of fuel cells the PEMFC is most paramount at the moment. One reason is the cell`s enormous potential to be mass produced. The target costs for a fuel cell stack are about 100 EUR/kW.

1.2 kW PEM fuel cell system (Ballard)

PEM fuel cell stack components