4.5-kW fuel cell system based on PEFCs

We have developed a prototype 4.5-kW fuel cell system that is powered by polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEPCs). It consists of two parts: a generator unit and a hydrogen cylinder box. The generator contains a fuel cell stack, an inverter, a control unit, and other components. The volume of the unit is 657 l and the weight is 190 kg. The system can supply 3.5 kW of AC 100 V power for about three hours using eight 10 l hydrogen gas cylinders or two 47 l hydrogen gas cylinders. The warm-up time is about four minutes. The system generates electric power from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in air, so it does not emit harmful gases or carbon dioxide. We tested this prototype 4.5 kW fuel cell system and we found that the amount of steam expelled into the air needs to be reduced for indoor use.