The use of low power fuel cells for power supply of mobile or stationary electrical apparatuses

During the last few years, the growing energy demand in the telecommunication sector and more care for safety and reliability of energy production systems have driven the development of integrated systems, using innovative power production processes. The choice made by the Company FAAM focuses on the production of small and medium size appliances based on fuel cell technology. In these appliances, easy system management is combined with their safety, in terms of energy quality and the absence of risks for operators and user equipment. The choice was focused on fuel cells with 400 Watt power, fed with high purity hydrogen and air taken from the surrounding environment and introduced through a ventilator. For hydrogen storage, metal hydride reservoirs have been used, containing up to 400 liters of hydrogen in N.C., with a very wide allowance in relation to safety in handling and operation. The choice to manufacture small size power systems simplifies the issues related to the management of thermal flows and humidification of membranes and their use at a demonstration scale becomes immediately applicable. The use of fuel cells with these characteristics is not limited to the field of stationary applications, but it has a good market in the transport sector with the application of engine-driven bicycles (Camaleo bikes) and small size electric vehicles, therefore ensuring further reduction of production costs and a better success in alternative sectors. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the technical specifications adopted as a base for system design and show the flexibility in using this system. A special focus is assigned to hydrogen storage technology in metal hydride reservoirs, and the techniques adopted to facilitate desorption during system operation.