PEM‐Fuel Cells: State of the Art and Development Possibilities

After conducting an analysis of fuel cell systems for comparison, the basic know how of the PEM‐fuel cell was transferred from GE to Siemens 1983/84 and in the following Siemens has started the development of FC‐modules as power source of an air‐independent propulsion system. The PEM‐FC‐system, which is characterized by its simple design, high power density and favourable longlife behaviour, is superior to other FC‐systems by the versatility of service. At a current density of 0.5 A/cm 2 cells were operated during more than 20000 hours. A current density of 5 A/cm 2 is possible. Cells with an active area of more than 1000 cm 2 and 10 kW‐stacks, which contains 20 cells, were constructed. Test results and possibilities of improvements will be reported.