Types of fuel cells
Fuel cells are differentiated based on working principle and type of electrolyte. In the table below you can find the main properties of common types of fuel cells.
|
Type of FC |
Electrolyte |
Temperature |
Applications |
Advantages |
Weaknesses |
|
PEM FC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) |
Solid organic polymer |
60-100° |
Transportation, portable devices |
Minor corrosion problems, quick start-up |
Expensive materials, requires pure hydrogen |
|
AFC (Alkaline) |
Aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide |
90-100° |
Space and military technology, stationary systems, transportation |
Quicker catalytic reaction |
Requires extremely pure hydrogen |
|
PAFC (Phosphoric Acid) |
Liquid phosphoric acid |
175-200° |
Stationary systems |
High efficiency in case of co-generation, does not require very pure hydrogen |
Expensive materials, low current and power density, big size |
|
MCFC (Molten Carbonate) |
Liquid solution of lithium, potassium and sodium carbonates |
600-1000° |
Stationary systems>200 kW |
Very high efficiency, flexibility in fuel choice, inexpensive materials |
Corrosion and breakdown of cell components |
|
SOFC (Solid Oxide) |
Solid state oxide |
600-1000° |
Stationary systems, transportation |
Very high efficiency, flexibility in fuel choice, inexpensive materials |
Corrosion and breakdown of cell components |