It has high efficiency since it transforms chemical energy into electric energy directly
Modular Design
Possible to separate constituents by factor and design independently
Very Low Chemical and acoustical Pollution
Since water is the substance generated through electric chemical reaction, it is environmentally friendly. And also there is no mobile parts inside the system, no noise is caused.
Fuel Flexibility
A substance for fuel is numerous and the option is wide.
Co-Generation Capability
Electric chemical reaction is exothermic, which occurs within the fuel cell system. At this time, the heat produced can be utilized in various purposes.
Rapid Load Response
Adaptive capability to external load is higher than that of existing chemical battery.
End Plate :
Function to support several cells constituting stack
Current Collector :
Function to transmit current generated from electric chemical reaction within stack to the external circuit
Bipolar Plate :
Function to form a pathway the fuel moves through, to diffuse fuel to MEA, and to be a pathway the generated current moves.
Flow Field :
Referring to a pathway formed on the Bipolar Plate and being a pathway the gas inside the stack flows.
Gas Diffusion Layer
Function to transmit fuel diffused at Bipolar Plate to Membrane
Catalyst :
Function to induce electric chemical reaction at low temperature
Membrane :
Function to transmit Proton only selectively.
Process Technology Types & Characteristics
Process Technology
Unit Process
Main Characteristics
Hydrogen Concentration
Applied Company
Steam Reforming
STR/HTS/LTS/PrOx
Slow endoergic reaction
Indirect heating method
Large size of reactor
High hydrogen generation efficiency
65~75
Plug power
Partial Oxidation
POX/WGS/PrOx
Fast exothermic reaction
Direct heating method
Excellent in the initial starting and loading response property
Low hydrogen generation yield
30~40
Epyx
Atomic Heat Reforming
Balance of POX & STR/WGS/PrOx
Combined pattern of POX and STR
Direct heating method
Excellent in the Initial Starting & Loading Response Property
40~50
Johnson matthey
PEMFC SYSTEM Flow Diagram Using Reformer
Similarities between a fuel cell and an internal combustion engine are to utilize hydrogen-rich fuel of in a state of gas, compressed air and oxygen, to require cooling.
However, a fuel cell uses electric chemical reaction to gain electricity while an internal combustion engine gains mechanical energy through ignition of a fuel. And another different point is the fuel cell has the advantage of no pollution.
To each electrode of a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are supplied and electricity, water and heat are generated. Supplied hydrogen passes over an electrode(cathode) of porosity and the hydrogen is ionized on the surface of cathode, dividing into hydrogen ion and electron. The divided hydrogen ion through an electrolyte and the electron through external circuit move to combine with oxygen on opposite side respectively. Then, they generate water and at the same time electricity. Of course, this reaction generates heat.
To each electrode of a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are supplied and electricity, water and heat are generated. Supplied hydrogen passes over an electrode(cathode) of porosity and the hydrogen is ionized on the surface of cathode, dividing into hydrogen ion and electron. The divided hydrogen ion through an electrolyte and the electron through external circuit move to combine with oxygen on opposite side respectively. Then, they generate water and at the same time electricity. Of course, this reaction generates heat.
Process Technology Types & Characteristics
High Energy Conversion Efficiency
End Plate :
Current Collector :
Bipolar Plate :
Flow Field :
Gas Diffusion Layer 
Catalyst :
Membrane :