Classification of Fuel Cells

The fuel cells can be classified as follows :

1. Alkaline fuel cell (AFC)
2. Phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC)
3. Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC)
4. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)
5. Proton/polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)

1. H₂, (pure)-O₂, (pure) fuel cell
2. H₂ (rich gas) – air fuel cell
3. NH₃,-air fuel cells ball
4. Hydrocarbon gas-air fuel cell
5. Synthesis gas-air fuel cell.

Fuel cells classified based on operating temperatures :

1. Low temperature fuel cells (below 150°C)
2. Medium temperature fuel cells (150°C-250°C)
3. High temperature fuel cells (more than 250° C)

1. Acidic electrolyte type
2. Alkaline electrolyte type
3. Neutral electrolyte type

1. For space applications
2. For automobile application
3. For military applications
4. For submarine applications
5. For other commercial applications.

Important type of fuel cells are described in succeeding sections except the alkaline fuel cell (AFC).