The working principle of a hydrogen fuel cell is as follows: hydrogen is split into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons at the anode. The hydrogen ions pass through an electrolyte membrane to the cathode, while the electrons travel through an external circuit to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen to produce water and release electrical energy. This technology offers advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness with zero pollution, rapid refueling, and long range.
I. Technical Pathways
Hydrogen fuel cells can be primarily categorized into the following five types: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC).
Technical Pathway | AFC | PAFC | PEMFC | MCFC | SOFC |
Electrolyte | Alkaline Electrolyte | Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4) | Proton Exchange Membrane | Molten Carbonate | Fluorite-structure Oxide Ceramic (e.g., Zirconia ZrO2) |
Fuel Used | Pure Hydrogen | Reformed Gas | Hydrogen | Purified Coal Gas, Reformed Gas | Purified Coal Gas, Natural Gas, Hydrogen, Hydrocarbons, Biogas |
Operating Temp. (℃) | 50-200 | 100-200 | Room Temp. ~100 | 600-700 | 600-1000 |
Electrical Efficiency | 45%-70% | 35%-50% | 50%-60% | 50%-60% | 50%-70% |
Start-up Time | Several Minutes | 2-4 hours | Several Minutes | ≥10 hours | ≥10 hours |
Advantages | Fast start-up, Low operating temperature | Tolerant to CO2 | Fast start-up, Low operating temperature, Tolerant to CO2 | High Energy Efficiency | High Energy Efficiency |
Disadvantages | Requires pure oxygen as oxidant | Sensitive to CO2 Slow start-up | Sensitive to CO2 Reactants require humidification | High operating temperature | High operating temperature |
Technology Status | Highly developed, High efficiency | Highly developed, Lower cost | Highly developed, Initial commercialization | Demonstration phase, Needs longer cell life | Needs lower operating temp., Diversified cell structures |
Primary Application Areas | Aerospace | Distributed Generation | Transportation, Distributed Generation, Maritime Backup Power, Stationary Power | Large-scale Distributed Generation, Power Plants, Regional Power Supply, CHP | Large-scale Distributed Generation, Power Plants, Combined Cycle Power Generation, CHP |
II. Application Scenarios
In practical application scenarios, fuel cells are primarily used in three major fields: Stationary Power, Transportation, and Portable Power.
1. Stationary Power
In the stationary power sector, hydrogen fuel cells are used for distributed generation, combined heat and power (CHP), and backup power. Distributed generation systems convert fuels such as natural gas or biogas into electricity via fuel cells, while utilizing waste heat for CHP, achieving high energy efficiency. As backup power, they can start quickly to provide reliable power support for critical facilities like data centers and communication base stations. Compared to traditional diesel generators, they offer advantages such as low noise and zero pollution.
2. Transportation
In the transportation sector, hydrogen fuel cells are mainly applied in fuel cell vehicles, ships, and rail transport. Fuel cell vehicles, characterized by zero emissions, fast refueling, and long range, have already entered commercial operation. Fuel cell ships and rail vehicles are also gradually being promoted, currently under development and trial operation. They offer advantages like low noise and zero emissions, potentially significantly reducing the environmental impact of urban transport and shipping, providing new options for green transportation.
3. Portable Power
In the portable power sector, hydrogen fuel cells are used for electronic devices, outdoor adventures, drones, and other scenarios. Hydrogen fuel cell chargers can provide fast charging and long endurance for devices like smartphones and tablets. Compared to traditional batteries, they offer higher energy density and longer service life. In outdoor adventures and military applications, fuel cells provide reliable power support for electronic equipment, adapting to harsh environments. Hydrogen fuel cell drones feature long endurance and high flight altitudes, suitable for environmental monitoring, logistics delivery, and other fields, demonstrating broad application prospects.
III. Domestic Innovation Breakthrough – Xander Hydrogen Air-Cooled Fuel Cell Stack
Xander Hydrogen's independently developed air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell stack utilizes multi-scale modeling based on CFD to achieve precise simulation and parameter optimization of the flow field structure. Innovatively, a composite flow channel was constructed, significantly improving forced air cooling while enhancing water retention capability, ensuring efficient water and thermal management of the stack. The slurry formulation has been upgraded to better adapt to self-humidifying operating conditions. The Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM) employs a double-sided direct coating process, improving stack performance and ensuring product consistency. This stack covers a power range of 0.2-5kW, with a volumetric power density ≥ 0.56 kW/L, a lifespan ≥ 2000 hours, and supports free series/parallel connection of 3-20 stacks. It combines the advantages of low cost, high performance, long life, and excellent control systems, providing an efficient and reliable solution for hydrogen energy applications.
Figure : Xander Hydrogen’s Air-Cooled Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack
In the future, Xander Hydrogen will continue to dedicate itself to the research, development, and innovation of hydrogen fuel cell technology, constantly improving product performance and reliability. It will further optimize the design of the air-cooled fuel cell stack, reduce system costs, and enhance system integration and intelligence levels.
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