The development of a 6 kW fuel cell generator based on alkaline fuel cell technology

Results are revealed from a co-operation between the Flemish Technological Institute VITO and the alkaline fuel cell (AFC) stack manufacturer Intensys. Last year they developed a 6kWel cogeneration unit. The unit is very promising, combining the advantage of AFCs with a low-cost concept. AFC technology has some significant advantages compared to PEM fuel cells (e.g., lower quality of hydrogen, high efficiency, working at temperature below zero, possibility of using non-noble catalyst, etc.). The former problem on CO2-free air is solved and the lower power density compared to PEM is not a killing-element for stationary applications and favours the robustness of the system. In this paper an overview of the generator's set-up will be given, the balance of plant will be shown and concepts leading to low-cost systems without compromising safety will be described. Finally, test results will be presented.