Solid polymer fuel cell developments at ballard

Abstract

Over the last several years, Ballard Power Systems has significantly advanced the state of solid polymer fuel cell (also known as PEM fuel cell) technology, having demonstrated substantial increases in power density, effective operation on air as the oxidant, and satisfactory operation on synthetic gas streams analogous to those obtained from the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels. More recently, Ballard has focussed its attention on the development of fuel cell systems and the demonstration of fuel cells in practical applications. Ballard has developed a fuel cell system which accepts pressurized hydrogen and air and produces d.c. power. The system contains the fuel cell stack, a fuel/air management subsystem, a heat management system, a water management sub-system and a control system. The unit is started by pushing a single button and delivers power within five seconds. The 3–5 kW units have been shipped to several organizations around the world for evaluation. Ballard has also begun a program to demonstrate the operation of a 30 ft transit bus powered entirely by a 105 kW fuel cell system, fueled by gaseous hydrogen. The bus is to be operational within one year. Ballard has also demonstrated the operation of a brassboard fuel cell system operating on methanol as the fuel. The system contains a reformer and an air compressor, as well as heat and water management sub-systems and an integrated control system.