POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL-CELLS - A REVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The very high power density available from proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells combined with the potential for very low cost suggests the PEM fuel cell as the most probable power plant for the next generation, non-polluting automobile engine. The demonstrated capability of the PEM fuel cell to produce power from available hydrocarbon fuels opens the possibility of reliable, efficient, power generation located near the user. This review summarizes the operating principles of the fuel cell stack and power systems, describes the current status of the technology, focusing on recent developments, and discusses the technical challenges and commercial prospects for this fuel cell technology.