Manfred Waidhas

Direct-fuelled fuel cells

Abstract Fuel supply is one important problem to be solved for commercial application of fuel cell technology. Conventional fuel-cell types require hydrogen as the fuel, which has to be free from impurities when operated at temperatures below 100 °C. The storage and distribution of this explosive and extremely fugitive gas is one of the open questions in the context of a customer-oriented broad commercial market. The direct-fuelled fuel cells (DMFCs) overcome the hydrogen specific restrictions. They are capable of directly using natural gas or fuels which are liquid under ambient conditions. In this paper the different options from direct-fuelled systems are described and their general aspects discussed. The state-of-the-art at Siemens in this field, and also the remaining technical questions are outlined as a basis for assessing future applications.

Low-cost PEMFC development at Siemens -- Material aspects

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) in combination with an electric drivetrain are being more and more discussed as a potential solution for a clean and energy-efficient transportation. A state of the art review is given on conceivable concepts of cost reduction for PEM fuel cell systems with specific respect to mobile applications. Achieved results at Siemens are described and will be taken as a basis to assess how close this technology is to the market.