There are many kinds of fuel cells available - but there are probably two types most suitable for materials handling purposes. As the most common fuel cell system for transport applications, the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) FC uses a thin, permeable polymeric membrane as the electrolyte. The membrane is very small and light, with platinum electrodes used on either side of the membrane to catalyse the reaction. Within the PEM FC unit, hydrogen molecules are supplied at the anode and split into protons and electrons. The protons pass across the polymeric membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are pushed round an external circuit to produce electricity. Oxygen (in the form of air) is supplied to the cathode and combines with the hydrogen ions to produce water.
展开▼
