Conclusion and outlook

Fuel cell systems of the proton exchange membrane type operating at low or high SOFC temperatures are highly complex assemblies in which the operating parameters interact strongly with one another.

This complexity is due in particular to the constraints of gas temperature, pressure and humidity. As a result, a fuel cell system comprises three energy-consuming fluidic circuits; the one that consumes the most energy is undoubtedly the air circuit, due to the compressor and associated humidification circuit.

The main areas of research for fuel cell systems therefore primarily concern membranes, in order to control water management and, if necessary, operate at much higher temperatures, but the physical conditions for gases will then be profoundly altered.

Fuel cell applications will remain uncommon for some years to...