This document defines fuel cells and describes their types, design, efficiencies, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. There are four main types of fuel cells - polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), phosphoric acid (PAFC), molten carbonate (MCFC), and solid oxide (SOFC) - each with different efficiencies and applications. Fuel cells have advantages like high conversion efficiencies up to 70%, low emissions, quiet operation, and quick startup. However, they also have disadvantages such as high costs and low service life. Potential applications include backup power, transportation, utility use, and portable electronics.

1. GROUP 5

2. Definition of fuel cells

3. Types of fuel cells

5. DESIGN

6. 1. •Cathode
2. •anode
3. •eletrolyte

7. FUEL CELL TYPE EFFICIENCY APPLICATIONS ADVANTAGES
Polymer electrolyte
membrance(PEM)
24-32% •Backup power
•Portable power
•Distributed
generation
•Transporation
•Specially vehicles
•Solid
•Electrolyte reduce
corrosion
•Low temperature
•Quick start-up
Phosphoric acid
(PAFC)
40% •Military
•Space
•Low cost
components
•Cathode reaction
fast in alkaline
electrolyte, leads to
high performance
Molten
carbonate(MCFC)
45-50% •Electric utility
•Distributed
•generation
•High efficiency
•Fuel flexibily
Solid oxide(SOFC) 60% •Auxillary power
•Electric utility
•Distribution
•High efficiency
•Fuel flexibily
•Can use a variety
COMPARISON OF FUEL CELL

8. Efficiency of fuel cell

9. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF PEM FUEL CELL

10. Advantages of fuel cell
1. It has very high conversion efficiencies as high as70
percent.
2. Fuel cells can be installed near the use point, thus
reducing electrical transmission requirements and
accompanying losses.
3.They have few mechanical components: hence, they
operated fairly quietly and require little attention and less
maintenance.
4.Atmospheric pollution is small.
5.There is no requirement for large volumes of cooling
water.
6.As fuel cell do not make noise, they can be readily
accepted in resdential areas.
7.The fuel cell takes little time to go in to operation.
8. The space requirements for fuel cell power plant is
considerably less.

11. Disadvantages of fuel cell
1.Fuel cell are costly.
2.Low service life.

12. Application of fuel cell
1.Fuel cells can be effectively used for load leveling.
2.Fuel cells are also suited for dispersed generation.
3.To meet the demand of isolated sites as construction
sites, military camps and small village communities.
4.Emergency /auxiliary supply to critical loads such as
hospitals etc.
5.Fuel cells can also be used as a mobile power in shuttle
spacecrafts.
6.Fuel cells are also proposed as power source for
propulsion of electric vehicles.
7. Fuel cells can be used to power portable electronic
device.