Fuel Cell Systems

Fuel cells are electrochemical systems which can continuously convert the energy of a fuel and an oxidant into electricity at up to 60 or 65 % efficiency with very low pollutant emissions. Heat rejected in the process can be used for different on-site thermal consumption which makes fuel cells suitable for combined heat and power generation. Because of their very low emission level, fuel cell power plants can be installed at users sites. At the Institute of High Voltage Engineering the possible usage of different kinds of fuel cells (Alkaline, Polymer-Electrolyte, Phosphoric Acid, Molten Carbonate, Solid Oxide, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells) is investigated and thermodynamic calculations are performed.