Fuel Cells

[Kira]

I am currently researching fuel cells for a standby power application in California. I have found that there are at least 7 different types of fuel cells and am wondering which type would be most applicable (and most available) for this purpose. Since the company already has natural gas connections, a fuel cell running on natural gas would be advantageous, however, I've only seen that Molten Carbonate cells can use natural gas, and they require very high operating temperatures. So far it seems that PEM (proton exhange membrane) fuel cells fueled by hydrogen gas are most common. Regenerative fuel cells seem to still be under research. Can someone shed some light on this?

 

[smole]

Dear Kira,

you use also Solid Oxid Fuel Cells (SOFC). They are operating at higher temperatur (800-1000 degree celsius) but can also use natural gas.

PEM can only be operated with hydrogen, you need a reformer to get out the hydrogen from the natural gas.

Good information you can find at Fuel Cell Handbook, 5th edition, October 2000

 

[mloew]

Kira,

There is a great deal of information available on the internet on this topic. I think a more appropriate forum to discus your particular situation would be the Hydrogen and related fuel cell engineering Forum (forum804). This may spur more discussion than this forum which is targeted for military fuel engineering.
Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.