Use of fuel cells for stationary and moblie applications: System-oriented approach

Fuel cells offer manifold possibilities for both stationary and mobile applications. The paper is based on the research results of the Max-Planck-Institute Magdeburg (MPI), the Chair of Electric Networks and Renewable Energy Sources (LENA, University of Magdeburg) and the Chair of System Process Engineering (VST, University of Magdeburg). First, the moblie application of a fuel cell is discussed. Here a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) for automoblie drives has been investigated. A process simulation of a DMFC-system is discussed. An example of the investigation of the dynamic behaviour of fuel cell systems is given. For stationary applications the PEMFC and MCFC have been investigated. The concept of the small power source for the PEM system is presented. Requirements for the tests by the operation with the power network are described and a concept of the energy managament system is given. Some simulation and experiment results are presented