HTPEMFCs for aeronautical applications

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Wednesday 04/22/2026

2:05 pm - 2:30 pm

Conference Center East, Room Berlin

English

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High temperature PEMFCs (proton exchange membrane fuel cells) that are operated at 120-200°C offer many advantages compared to their low temperature counterparts. For instance, typical fuel and oxidant humidification systems in LTPEMFCs contribute 40 to 70% of the entire system weight. Whereas HTPEMFCs are built with anhydrous proton containing membranes which do not require active fuel or oxdiant humidification. Secondly the proton exchange membranes employed in HTPEMFCs are non-PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances,). Owing to higher temperature operation, these HTPEMFCs are not poisioned with CO in the fuel streams, even upto 10% (100.000 ppm), whereas LTPEMFCs have to be operated with ultra-pure H2 (CO < 10 ppm). This feature offers fuel flexibility, where reformed hydrocarbons such as methanol, ethanol, LPG, LNG as well as reformed non-hydrocarbon energy carriers such as NH3 or LOHC (liquid organic carriers) can be employed. In the current contribution, the cell-level and system-level power densities and component requirements are discussed. Special focus here is aeronautical applications including stand-by power. For instance, a minimum of 2 – 3 kW/kg at the cell level and 1.5 – 2 kW/kg of specific power at the system level has to be reached to be compatible with airborne fuel cell power systems.