Highly integrated micro fuel cell system based on a methanol steam reformer and a HT PEM fuel cell

摘要

Recreational niche markets offer a great potential for the introduction of a portable and highly integrated micro fuel cell systems based on a methanol steam reformer in combination with a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT PEM) fuel cell due to moderate requirements regarding target prices and durability. As an energy source Methanol is an attractive energy carrier especially for small fuel cell systems because of its high energy density and easy handling. In a joint research project the participating partners from industry and academia have developed a fuel cell system on basis of a methanol steam reformer and a HT PEM fuel cell with an electric power of 30 W. The system is used as an energy supply for golf-caddies. After demonstrating the durability of the steam reformer and the HT PEM fuel cell in separate long-term experiments, the complete system with 20 HT PEM cells was built up. An overall system control including a start-up strategy was implemented and operating cycles were carried out. In this paper, we focus on the coupled operation of the methanol steam reformer and the HT PEM fuel cell. We give a close view on the coupled system start and the resulting effects. Furthermore we show the improved solution to achieve longer durability.