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Title: Research and development of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system for transportation applications. Phase I final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/208296· OSTI ID:208296

Objective during Phase I was to develop a methanol-fueled 10-kW fuel cell power source and evaluate its feasibility for transportation applications. This report documents research on component (fuel cell stack, fuel processor, power source ancillaries and system sensors) development and the 10-kW power source system integration and test. The conceptual design study for a PEM fuel cell powered vehicle was documented in an earlier report (DOE/CH/10435-01) and is summarized herein. Major achievements in the program include development of advanced membrane and thin-film low Pt-loaded electrode assemblies that in reference cell testing with reformate-air reactants yielded performance exceeding the program target (0.7 V at 1000 amps/ft{sup 2}); identification of oxidation catalysts and operating conditions that routinely result in very low CO levels ({le} 10 ppm) in the fuel processor reformate, thus avoiding degradation of the fuel cell stack performance; and successful integrated operation of a 10-kW fuel cell stack on reformate from the fuel processor.

Research Organization:
General Motors Corp., Indianapolis, IN (United States). Allison Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-90CH10435; W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
208296
Report Number(s):
DOE/CH/10435-02; ON: DE96007777
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Jan 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English