Fuel Cells - A complement and an Alternative to Batteries on the Path to Application

Kurzfassung

Fuel cells and electrolyzers for hydrogen generation from renewable energy are acknowledged as essential parts of the necessary transition of the energy system as required by the commitments to climate protection in the frame of COP21 and COP22. With the ratification of these agreements by more than hundred countries it is to be expected that fuel cells and renewable hydrogen will become important options for emission reduction in many parts of the world. Fuel cell development has reached an advanced maturity stage as demonstrated by the first series cars from Asian manufacturers, the approaching commercialization of stationary systems in Europe as well as the successful market penetration of residential fuel cell systems in Japan. With the advancement of fuel cell application in cars a concurrent built-up of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure is needed. The first hydrogen infrastructure areas are located in California, Germany and Japan. In order to achieve a global reach, however, much more efforts worldwide are needed. In this presentation an overview over the state-of-art of fuel cells, with a focus on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is given accompanied by a critical assessment of achievements and challenges. The advantages and disadvantages in comparison to other technologies, in particular batteries, is discussed. The system design of a hybrid fuel cell with a battery exhibits many beneficial properties that will be described. Finally, some applications are highlighted, e.g. propulsion of aircraft, in which fuel cells are a necessity to achieve the requirements.