Research of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Based on PEM Technology

摘要

This paper deals with the technology subject to current dynamic development - hydrogen fuel cells. There are several types of fuel cells, differentiated with respect to design, materials used, operation parameters and relevant method of use. The emphasis is laid on low-temperature hydrogen proton membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), which produce the electric power using pure hydrogen and gaseous oxygen. These are utilised in various stationary as well as mobile assemblies. The main part of this paper concerns the results of laboratory testing of the PEM module with fuel cells in order to optimise its operation. This paper provides description of its operation characteristics. The module subject to research is currently integrated within the hybrid energetic system to provide for accumulation of electric power produced by photovoltaic panels and it is capable to supply the generated electric power into a low-voltage local power grid via a coupling converter. The matter of accumulation of energy made from unstable renewable resources in order to improve their reliability has gained on crucial importance, while the number of units constructed (installed capacity), is rising. Hydrogen technologies seem a very progressive solution for energy accumulation purposes.