Types of Fuel Cells
The different types of fuel cells include Alkaline Fuel Cell, Direct Methanol Fuel Cell, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell.
Type of Fuel Cell | Operating Temperature (˚C) | Fuel | Electrolyte |
Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) | 40 to 200 | Hydrogen | KOH |
Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) | 60 to 130 | Methanol | Polymer |
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) | 40 to 90 | Hydrogen/ Carbondioxide | Polymer |
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) | 200 | Hydrogen/ Carbondioxide | Phosphoric Acid |
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. (SOFC) | 600 to 950 | Methane, Hydrogen and carbon monoxide | Solid Acid |
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell. (MCFC) | 650 | Methane, Hydrogen and carbon monoxide | Molten Carbonate |
Hydrogen Fuel Cells:
Hydrogen Fuel and air that has oxygen reacts when they come into make contact with an electrolyte that splits them. And this reaction results in the transmission of the electrons and ions across electrolyte from anode to cathode. If the external load is added to this and a complete circuit is created and the voltage is produced from the stream of electrical current.
Efficiency of Hydrogen Fuel Cell:
- 40% efficiency produced, coverts methanol to hydrogen in reformer
- 80% efficiency for motor, converts electrical to mechanical energy
- Overall Efficiency- 24 to 32%
- 80% of hydrogen energy content converted to the electrical energy
Hydrogen @ room temperature:
- Lighter than air
- Colourless
- Easiest and most rich constituent
- Odourless
- More proficient than the current fuels utilised in the transportation
- Additional energy per weight than that of any other energy mediums
Comparison of Auto Power Efficiency:
Technology | System Efficiency |
Gasoline Engine | 20% |
Fuel Cell | 24 to 32% |
Electric Battery | 26% |