MOBILE FUEL-CELL DEVELOPMENT AT SIEMENS

Low temperature fuel cells with hydrogen and oxygen as the reactants are well-suited as a power source of an air-independent propulsion system in a submarine. Their higher energy density, noiseless operation, absence of polluting gases and low waste heat as a consequence of the favourable efficiency are advantageous compared with conventional systems. PEM fuel cells will be preferred for their overload capacity, low power degradation, long lifetime and the possibility to operate the fuel cell at different temperatures. Due to the fact that the PEM-FC can also be operated with CO2-containing reactants and because of their considerable potential for increasing power, it is possible to construct energy storage systems with H-2/air fuel cells which can be used in electric cars or long-term storage facilities for regenerative energy systems. Depending on the storage capacity required, it is possible to obtain energy densities which clearly surpass those of high temperature electrochemical batteries like sodium/sulfur. Results of the current development will be reported and the application potential will be discussed.