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 PEM fuel cells that are operated at 120-200°C offer many advantages compared to their low temperature counterparts. Typically fuel and oxidant humidification systems in LTPEMFCs contribute 40 to 70% of the entire system weight. Whereas HTPEMFCs are built with anhydrous proton conductors that do not require active fuel or oxdiant humidification. Secondly the proton exchange membranes employed in HTPEMFCs are non-PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, also called as forever chemicals). Owing to higher temperature operation, these HTPEMFCs are not poisioned with CO in the fuel streams, even upto 10% (100.000 ppm or parts per million), whereas LTPEMFCs have to be operated with ultra-pure H2 (CO < 10 ppm). This features 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. 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.