Page 45 - Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells

34 Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells
Table 1.9 summarizes the potential areas of use of fuel cells.
Application Portable Residential Transport Power station
Power 1–100 W 1–10 kW 10–100 kW 100 kW–10 MW
PEMFC
DMFC
PAFC
AFC
MCFC
SOFC

Table 1.9. The potential domains of use of fuel cells

1.2.3. Advantages and issues to improve

Fuel cells are often presented as the solution of the future in the electric
power generation and automotive sectors. This is justified by their many
advantages, for example, the fact that they benefit from a wide range of
operating conditions. This means that some fuel cells can be used at room
temperature, while others can operate at high temperatures when this is an
advantage.

Fuel cell efficiency is determined by pressure, temperature and humidity
during operation. The efficiency can often be improved (depending on the
type of fuel cell) by raising the temperature, pressure, humidity or by
optimizing certain variable parameters of the cell. The possibility of
improving these variables depends on its area of use, because considerations
of weight, size or cost can be an important decision factor.

Other advantages can be summarized as follows:
– high energy yields, even at partial charge: from 40 to 70% electrical,
more than 85% in all (electricity and heat);
– low noise levels;