Abstract
In this report, a 5 kW PEFC system running on dry hydrogen with an appropriately sized Balance of Plant (BoP) was used to conduct experimental studies and analyses of gas supply subsystems. The improper rating and use of BoP components has been found to increase parasitic loads, which consequently has a direct effect on the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system efficiency. Therefore, the minimisation of parasitic loads while maintaining desired performance is crucial. Nevertheless, little has been found in the literature regarding experimental work on large stacks and BoP, with the majority of papers concentrating on modelling. A particular interest of our study was the anode side of the fuel cell. Additionally the rationale behind the use of hydrogen anode recirculation was scrutinised, and a novel anode purging strategy was developed and implemented. Through experimental modelling, the use of cathode air blower was minimised since it was found to be the biggest contributor to the parasitic loads.
Highlights
System Reactant Gas SupplyCurrently, there is a strong global push towards decarbonisation and carbon footprint reduction
We present the results of the experimental simulation of the biggest contributor of parasitic loads
Data acquisition and software–hardware interfaces were implemented by using the modular, high-performance embedded controller compact RIO by National Instruments (NI)
Summary
There is a strong global push towards decarbonisation and carbon footprint reduction. Hydrogen fuel cells will potentially play a vital role in contributing to these goals in numerous areas of the economy, including the energy and transport sectors. Hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered passenger electric vehicles, trains, and heavy duty trucks are leading examples in the transport sector. Stationary power units, electrolysers, and decentralised microgrids are good examples of hydrogen fuel cell applications in the energy sector. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) electrochemically convert the chemical energy present in the fuel directly into electrical energy. Hydrogen fuel is supplied into the fuel cells from the anode side and oxygen is supplied from the cathode side
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