How does a PEM fuel cell work?

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) uses a water-based, acidic polymer membrane as its electrolyte, with platinum-based electrodes. The protons pass through the membrane to the cathode side of the cell while the electrons travel in an external circuit, generating the electrical output of the cell.

What is a fuel cell why PEM fuel cell is preferred?

They are typically fueled with pure hydrogen supplied from storage tanks or reformers. PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures, around 80°C (176°F). Low-temperature operation allows them to start quickly (less warm-up time) and results in less wear on system components, resulting in better durability.

What is PEM made of?

A proton-exchange membrane, or polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM), is a semipermeable membrane generally made from ionomers and designed to conduct protons while acting as an electronic insulator and reactant barrier, e.g. to oxygen and hydrogen gas.

Where is PEM fuel cell used?

Due to their light weight, PEMFCs are most suited for transportation applications. PEMFCs for buses, which use compressed hydrogen for fuel, can operate at up to 40\% efficiency. Generally PEMFCs are implemented on buses over smaller cars because of the available volume to house the system and store the fuel.

Which fuel cell is the best?

Alkaline Fuel Cells Operating at 60-70ºC (140-158ºF), AFCs are among the most efficient type of fuel cells, reaching up to 60\% efficiency and up to 87\% combined heat and power. Both the US and Russian/Soviet spaceships used alkaline fuel cells to produce electricity and drinking water for astronauts.

How much power does a PEM fuel cell produce?

Generally, the electrical efficiency of PEMFC is 40\%–50\% and the power capacity at output is up to 250 kW.

How efficient is a PEM fuel cell?

The electrical efficiency of PEMFC is 40\%–60\%. The relative low hydrogen content reduces the electrical efficiency to ∼40\%. Nevertheless, the system efficiency (including electrical energy and thermal energy) can reach 60\%–80\% if low-grade heat can be effectively recovered by energy recovery subsystem.

How does PEM electrolysis work?

In a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, the electrolyte is a solid specialty plastic material. Water reacts at the anode to form oxygen and positively charged hydrogen ions (protons). The electrons flow through an external circuit and the hydrogen ions selectively move across the PEM to the cathode.

How long do PEM fuel cells last?

This is different to smaller systems used in the automotive industry; these are intended to last up to 10,000 hours of operational lifetime. If you put that on board a vessel, in some cases it is just over a year of operation.