Fuel Cell Types

There are many fuel cell types in use and in development around the world. Each fuel cell has its own specific purpose. Some are designed to power up small gadgets and electronics and some are even built to provide power to cities and towns. The benefits and applications to fuel cells are immense. This renewable, environmentally friendly energy source is one of the fastest booming industries in the entire world. So what are the most reliable and commercially found fuel cells on the market?

The most commonly seen fuel cell type is phosphoric acid (PAFC), which supplies many fuel cell systems installed across over 20 nations. You can now find these fuel cells in hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, office buildings, schools, power plants, and water treatment plants. Phosphoric acid fuel cells consume liquid phosphoric acid for the electrolyte and these operate at roughly 500 degrees. The primary advantage to Phosphoric acid fuel cells is that they do not require pure hydrogen. Impure hydrogen is capable of providing energy for this fuel cell. The second most common fuel cell is the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). These fuel cells are suited for large-scale stationary power generators that would provide ample electricity for cities or towns. This type of fuel cell operates at the most extreme of temperatures (between 700 and 1,000 degrees Celsius).

The idea is for these renewable fuel sources to one day provide electricity to every town, city, and village across the entire planet. Another commonly used fuel cell is the Polymer exchange membrane, or the PEMFC. This is the best available fuel cell source for small devices and possibly transportation purposes. This fuel cell has a high power density and a considerably low operating temperature, ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Celsius or 140 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it has such a low operating temperature, it means the fuel cell will warm up and begin generating electricity very quickly and waiting will not be needed. For example; you probably don’t want to wait 15 minutes to start up your car engine, the Department of Energy is working hard to bring this fuel cell technology to a portable, reliable, and most of all stable state.

Last but not least, the proton exchange membrane (PEMFC) operate at low temperatures (about 165 degrees Fahrenheit), have impressive high power density, and can easily vary their output to meet quick shifts in power demand. These fuel cells are best suited for applications where quick startup is needed like with automobiles. These forms of fuel cells according to the Department of Energy are the best candidates for vehicles, buildings, and even for much smaller use such as with microwaves, stoves, or for rechargeable batteries. These fuel cells are extremely sensitive to any and all impurities, meaning any of the molecules it deals with must be completely pure, and a negative reaction will occur if there are any impurities found. With the steady depletion of gas and crude oil, the future is in the hands of these fuel cell types.