Optimization of efficiency and energy density of passive micro fuel cells and galvanic hydrogen generators

TL;DR

This paper presents a self-breathing PEM micro fuel cell system with galvanic hydrogen generation, aiming to improve efficiency and energy density for low-power applications like autonomous systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel micro fuel cell system with on-demand hydrogen production using galvanic cells, enhancing battery replacement potential.

Findings

Efficiency varies with fuel cell construction

System tested across multiple load profiles

Potential for extended autonomous operation

Abstract

A PEM micro fuel cell system is described which is based on self-breathing PEM micro fuel cells in the power range between 1 mW and 1W. Hydrogen is supplied with on-demand hydrogen production with help of a galvanic cell, that produces hydrogen when Zn reacts with water. The system can be used as a battery replacement for low power applications and has the potential to improve the run time of autonomous systems. The efficiency has been investigated as function of fuel cell construction and tested for several load profiles.