The direct borohydride fuel cell for UUV propulsion power

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 162; no. 2; pp. 765 - 772
• Main Authors: Lakeman, J. Barry, Rose, Abigail, Pointon, Kevin D., Browning, Darren J., Lovell, Keith V., Waring, Susan C., Horsfall, Jackie A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 22.11.2006; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct sodium borohydride fuel cell; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Propulsion; Unmanned underwater vehicles; Propulsion; Direct sodium borohydride fuel cell; Unmanned underwater vehicles; Alcohol fuel cells; Membrane; Performance; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Sodium Hydroborates; Submarine vehicle
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.07.022

The development of proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cell stacks is now well advanced for many applications. However, the significant performance advantages that these have over the battery for small to moderate scale applications will not be realised until a credible fuel source has been developed. The deficiencies of the PEMFC and DMFC can be eliminated by cation or anion-conducting membranes incorporated into a direct sodium borohydride fuel cell (DSBFC). The characterisation of membranes for the DSBFC is discussed. Novel membranes have been prepared which have resistance of an equal magnitude to the commercially available Nafion ® membrane.