Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMMClean Technology Especially Suited for Applications with Varying Load Scenarios
Functionality
Fuel processor system
- Avoidance of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides by catalytic processes and sulfur compounds by adsorption
- High overall efficiency of the CHP unit > 95%; electrical efficiency 35% (conventional technology based on combustion engines reaches 70-95% at its optimum operating point, respectively 32-34% - even when operated using hydrogen)
- Reduced load sensitivity of the system efficiency compared to combustion engines
- Increase of fuel cell efficiency in partial load (60% at 20% load, compared to 50% at full load)
- Compact and highly efficient due to the application of catalyst micro channel plate heat exchanger technology
- Highly dynamic operation possible by heat integration; optimum use of mass and heat flows
- Low maintenance requirements due to an extensive avoiding of movable parts
- PEM fuel cell technology was chosen due to its high reliability and durability