Week 2 Challenge
1.Compare four different types of fuel cells and state their applications
| Fuel Cell Type | Advantages | Challenges | Applications |
| Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM) |
Soild Electrolyte reduces corrosion and electrolyte management systems Low Temperature Quick Start Up and load following |
Sensible to fuel impurities |
High power density,low weight and volume Operate at low temperaures and thus start up time results inless wear and tear and increased durability |
| Soild Oxide Fuel Cell(SOFC) |
High Efficiency Fuel Flexibility Soild Electrolyte Suitable for power and Heating |
High Temperature corrosion and breakdown of cell components Lond Start-up time Limited number of shutdowns |
Operate at high temeprature around 1000C and slow start up Produces natural heat which can be recirculated and used to heat comes in cold climate |
| Alkaline(AFC) |
Wider range of stable materials allows lower cost components Low temperature Quick start up |
Sensitive to CO2 in fuel and air Electrolyte Management Electrolyte Conductivity |
Electric power for onboard system in spacecrafts |
| Direct methanol fuel cell |
Ease of fuel delivery and storage Low cost of Methanol Operation at low temperature and pressure |
Still emits CO2 Sluggish kinetics of methanol oxidation much slower than that of hydrogen Methanol crossover reduces cell voltage |
Due to Methanol crossover powe produced is limited.High Power density can be suppiled in small amount for a long time.Ideal for smaller vechicles like auxililary systems in automobile consumer electronics like laptop, and cameras |
Question 2:
Using a plot with energy density and power density on the X and Y axis, arrange various battery types like lithium ion, lead acid, Nickel Cadmium, Ultracapacitor, fuel cell.
