PEMFC in Mingolsheim

With the commissioning of a 250 kW fuel cell for the decentralised energy supply of the thermal baths in Mingolsheim, EnBW led the way in the practical application of this technology. The one-year test phase of the fuel cell ended in October 2003 and produced valuable information about the operation of the system and the evaluation of the technology. Now the data and experience must be analysed in detail.

For example, during the test phase of the PEM fuel cell energy losses occurred in the power inverter, and performance of the catalytic converters was reduced during reforming due to sulphur contamination of the natural gas. Both of these factors had a direct effect upon the efficiency of the fuel cell system. Employees of EnBW and the manufacturer Alstom-Ballard are checking and optimising plant operation and are carrying out maintenance work. The results of the operational trial will enter into EnBW’s assessment of the fuel cell issue.