Читать книгу Integration of Renewable Energy Sources with Smart Grid - Группа авторов - Страница 18

The frequently used fuel cell is PEM fuel cell. Figure 1.9 shows the PEM fuel cell. It is a light weight fuel cell and delivers high power density. It is also called as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell [8]. It consists of carbon porous electrodes with solid polymer as an electrolyte and platinum as a catalyst. It operates with hydrogen, oxygen and water. Hydrogen fuel is given as an input from storage tanks. It operates at low temperatures and so considered as a durable one. A good catalyst is used but platinum is not so economical and it is sensitive to carbon monoxide poisoning. It requires a reactor to eradicate this poisoning effect and hence the cost also increases. Since it operates at low temperatures, its start-up time is very quick, and hence, it is suitable for automotive applications.