Each fuel cell technology has advantages and challenges. See how fuel cell technologies compare with one another. This comparison chart is also available as a fact sheet.
| Fuel Cell Type | Common Electrolyte | Operating Temperature | Typical Stack Size | Electrical Efficiency (LHV) | Applications | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) | Perfluorosulfonic acid | <120°C | <1 kW–100 kW | 60% direct H2; a 40% reformed fuel b | Backup power Portable power Distributed generation Transportation Specialty vehicles | Solid electrolyte reduces corrosion and electrolyte management problems Low temperature Quick start-up and load following | Expensive catalysts Sensitive to fuel impurities |
| Alkaline (AFC) | Aqueous potassium hydroxide soaked in a porous matrix, or alkaline polymer membrane | <100°C | 1–100 kW | 60% c | Military Space Backup power Transportation | Wider range of stable materials allows lower cost components Low temperature Quick start-up | Sensitive to CO2 in fuel and air Electrolyte management (aqueous) Electrolyte conductivity (polymer) |
| Phosphoric acid (PAFC) | Phosphoric acid soaked in a porous matrix or imbibed in a polymer membrane | 150°–200°C | 5–400 kW, 100 kW module (liquid PAFC) <10 kW (polymer membrane) | 40% d | Distributed generation | Suitable for CHP Increased tolerance to fuel impurities | Expensive catalysts Long start-up time Sulfur sensitivity |
| Molten carbonate (MCFC) | Molten lithium, sodium, and/or potassium carbonates, soaked in a porous matrix | 600°–700°C | 300 kW–3 MW, 300 kW module | 50% e | Electric utility Distributed generation | High efficiency Fuel flexibility Suitable for CHP Hybrid/gas turbine cycle | High temperature corrosion and breakdown of cell components Long start-up time Low power density |
| Solid oxide (SOFC) | Yttria stabilized zirconia | 500°–1,000°C | 1 kW–2 MW | 60% f | Auxiliary power Electric utility Distributed generation | High efficiency Fuel flexibility Solid electrolyte Suitable for CHP Hybrid/gas turbine cycle | High temperature corrosion and breakdown of cell components Long start-up time Limited number of shutdowns |
a NREL Composite Data Product 8, "Fuel Cell System Efficiency"
b Panasonic Headquarters News Release, "Launch of New 'Ene-Farm' Home Fuel Cell Product More Affordable and Easier to Install"
c G. Mulder et al., "Market-ready stationary 6 kW generator with alkaline fuel cells," ECS Transactions 12 (2008) 743-758
d Doosan PureCell Model 400 Datasheet
e FuelCell Energy DFC300 Product Specifications
f Ceramic Fuel Cells Gennex Product Specifications