Multiple Fuel Choices

Multiple Fuel Choices

Protonex utilizes multiple fueling methods to deliver hydrogen to its PEM and SOFC fuel cell systems. Multiple fueling options provide OEMs and other customers with the flexibility they need based on the unique power requirements of their products and applications.

• Direct Hydrogen
  Stored hydrogen gas, either in compressed form or absorbed in metal hydride canisters, is a preferred fuel option for many long-duration applications, as well as locations with a strong hydrogen infrastructure. Direct hydrogen can be used across all of Protonex' platforms.
• Chemical Hydride
  Chemical hydride is a well-developed fuel storage technology that is typically used in the 10- to 100-watt power range for portable and remote applications. The Protonex cartridge system, developed in partnership with Millennium Cell, allows customers to generate hydrogen as it is needed by the fuel cell system to produce power.
• Traditional Hydrocarbon Fuels
  Reformer-based fueling systems can efficiently extract hydrogen as-needed from commercially available liquid fuels such as propane, kerosense, gasoline, diesel and JP8. Reformer-based fueling systems are typically appropriate for applications in the 100- to 1000-watt power range.
• BioFuels
  Biofuels are considered an important means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy security by providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Protonex fuel cell systems are already able to run on methanol, and the Company is working to make its systems operable on the many other types of biofuels available today, including biodiesel, bioethanol, butanol, alcohols and biogas, as well as lignocellulosic-based biofuels.

Currently, Protonex systems support the use of direct hydrogen, chemical hydride, methanol (in PEM reformer-based systems) and propane (in SOFC systems). Development programs to allow the use of more complex fuels, like gasoline, kerosene, diesel, biofuels and JP8, are underway.

In addition to internal initiatives, Protonex continues to leverage the state-of-the-art fuel subsystems of its strategic partners to develop new fueling options that can be easily integrated into overall fuel cell power solutions.

Associated File(s)

Protonex Chemical Hydride White Paper