Open Access
Review
Table 6
Comparison of different types of fuel cells.
| Type | Operating temperature | Power range of a stack (kW) | Electrical efficiency | Applications | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEMFC | <120 °C | 1–100 | 60% | Backup power Portable power Distributed generation Transportation Specialty vehicles |
Solid electrolyte reduces corrosion and electrolyte management problems Low temperature Quick start-up and load following |
Expensive catalysts Sensitive to fuel impurities |
| AFC | <100 °C | 1–100 | 60% | Military Space Backup power Transportation |
Wider range of stable materials allows lower-cost components Low temperature Quick start-up |
Sensitive to CO2 in fuel and air Electrolyte management (aqueous) Electrolyte conductivity (polymer) |
| PAFC | 150–200 °C | 5–400 | 40% | Distributed generation | Suitable for CHP Increased tolerance to fuel impurities |
Expensive catalysts Long start-up time Sulfur sensitivity |
| MCFC | 600–700 °C | 300–3000 | 50% | Electric utility Distributed generation |
High efficiency Fuel flexibility Suitable for CHP Hybrid/gas turbine cycle |
High-temperature corrosion and breakdown of cell components Long start-up time Low power density |
| SOFC | 500–1000 °C | 1–2000 | 60% | Auxiliary power Electric utility Distributed generation |
High efficiency Fuel flexibility Solid electrolyte Suitable for CHP Hybrid/gas turbine cycle |
High-temperature corrosion and breakdown of cell components Long start-up time Limited number of shutdowns |
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