PBI / H 3 PO 4 Gel Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Under the Influence of Reformates

Abstract

High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT PEMFCs) offer tremendous flexibility when used as energy converters in stationary as well as mobile power devices. Coupling HT PEMFC stacks with fuel processors that use liquid as well as gaseous fuels to generate hydrogen rich gas is a promising prospect, which paves the way for a possible hydrogen economy. The current paper deals with the performance aspects of a 150 Wel HT PEMFC stack, which potentially could be coupled to (i) a natural gas reformer, (ii) a propane reformer, or (iii) a methanol reformer. A 12 cell HT PEMFC stack with a total active area of about 600 cm2 was operated in a test rack, and the results show that HT PEMFCs are principally suited for operation with reformates.