Abstract
High temperature polymer fuel cells operating at 100 to 200◦C require simple fuel processing and produce high quality heat that can integrate well with domestic heating systems. Because the transportation of hydrogen is challenging, an alternative option is to reform natural gas on site. This article presents the development of a dynamic model and the comparison with experimental data from a high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack operating on hydrogen with carbon monoxide concentrations up to 0.8%, and temperatures from 155 to 175◦C. The dynamic response of the fuel cell is investigated with simulated reformate gas. The dynamic response of the fuel cell stack was compared with a step change in current from 0.09 to 0.18 and back to 0.09 A/cm2. This article shows that the dynamic model calculates the voltage at steady state well. The dynamic response for a change in current shows that the model compares well with some of the cells in the stack while other cells may have typically lower voltages levels during dynamic operation.
Highlights
Distributed generation can provide electricity with fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to traditional centralized power generation
Experimental data obtained from a polybenzimidizol-based fuel cell short stack affirmed that for short-term testing, this high temperature PEM fuel cell technology can tolerate the effect of carbon monoxide up to concentrations of 1%
The operating temperature of the fuel cell stack has a prominent effect on the fuel cell voltage
Summary
Distributed generation can provide electricity with fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to traditional centralized power generation. In developed countries, installing distributed generation provides means to increase the reliability and resiliency of the electrical grid, and allows incremental and pointed investment. In developing countries where the electrical infrastructure is sparse or not reliable, installing distributed generation is an attractive alternative to provide electricity without huge infrastructure investments. Most fuel cells installed for stationary power generation are typically operating at steady-state base-load conditions. While this is currently the easiest and most economical way to operate a fuel cell system, the dynamic operation of the fuel cells is necessary for off-grid operation. The ability to follow the electrical load will help fuel cells to gain more acceptance from the electric utility companies
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