Cost Of Fuel Cells Research Articles

Ultra-thin platinum catalytic electrodes fabricated by atomic layer deposition

Because noble metal catalysts (e.g. Pt) are one of the main contributors to low-temperature (<500 °C) fuel cell costs, significant efforts have been made to lower the noble metal loading in constructing fuel cell electrodes. In this work, ultra-thin (∼10 nm) platinum (Pt) cathode/catalyst layers were patterned by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and tested as catalytic electrodes (cathode) for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. We found that 180 cycles or approximately 10 nm of ALD Pt, with a Pt loading of only 0.02 mg cm(-2), were sufficient for the purpose of a catalytic cathode. Furthermore, this ALD Pt resulted in fuel cell performance comparable to that achieved by 80 nm-thick sputtered Pt. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations revealed the optimized number of ALD cycles of Pt for the catalytic electrode, which renders both contiguity and high triple-phase boundary (TPB) density. This result suggests the ability to significantly reduce Pt loading, thereby reducing the cost, and furthermore, can be easily applied to high performance fuel cells with complex 3-D structures.

Fuel Cell Capacity and Cost Trends

Fuel Cell Capacity and Cost Trends

Fabrication of structured anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell by powder injection molding

Powder Injection Molding (PIM) gives the possibility to produce, at an industrial rate, ceramic parts with fine details. It is thus a possible approach to reduce the fabrication costs of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). This work presents fabrication and electrochemical characterization results of injection-molded structured anode-supported SOFCs.Planar anode-supported SOFCs with fine details have been produced by injection molding of a mixture of nickel oxide (NiO) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The channeling structure and support porosity ensure gas transport on the fuel side. Initial anode support characterizations like sintering shrinkage, porosity and electrical conductivity have been done on simple Ni–YSZ test bars. Thin YSZ electrolyte has been deposited by spin-coating on the PIM green body before half-cell co-sintering.Electrochemical testing was carried out with a lanthanum–strontium manganite (LSM)–YSZ cathode. The performance is comparable to tape-cast anode-supported cells, with 0.45 W cm−2 obtained at 0.6 V and 810 °C. Medium-term galvanostatic testing shows a degradation rate of about 1.1% kh−1. Post-test analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) attribute this mainly to cathode degradation due to Cr and S poisoning. These results are therefore promising for using a PIM fabrication process in the SOFC field.

Structure and Composition of Supported PtCu-LaO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; Composite Multi-Layer Membrane Electrode

In order to reduce production cost of Fuel Cells, a new type of Pt/C membrane electrodes -- PtCu-LaOx, LaOx-PtCu and PtCu-LaOx-PtCu composite multi-layer membrane electrodes -- would be raised, in which with developing different membranous layer form dispersed on the surface of carbonaceous or monocrystalline silicon substrates were manufactured by Ion Beam Sputtering technology. Phase composition, micro-area surface topography and elements of these electrodes were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry and Atomic Force Microscope, respectively. It was found that doping La could not only enhance Pt crystallization and decrease Pt grain size but also contribute to Pt(111) preferential orientation growing in the LaOx-PtCu, and that biggish ratio of La(At%) : Pt(At%) in micro-area would be difficult of occurring particles reunion on PtCu-LaOx surface, and that the orientation growing of Pt(200), Pt(220) and Pt(311) would be restrained in PtCu-LaOx and PtCu-LaOx-PtCu, and that the Pt alloy particle exhibited more homogeneous distribution and less size in PtCu-LaOx-PtCu. Our study indicated that these new types of membrane electrodes could be used in Fuel Cells and make Fuel Cells as a new power source for electrical vehicles.

Influence on Structure and Composition of Carbon Supported PtCu-LaO&lt;sub&gt;x&lt;/sub&gt; Composite Membrane Electrode by Acid Treatment

In order to reduce production cost of Fuel Cells, one of the key points was to reduce Pt loading in Pt/C catalytic electrode. In our study, a new type of Pt/C membrane electrodes, PtCu-LaOxcomposite structure, on the surface of carbonaceous substrates was manufactured by Ion Beam Sputtering technology, and also was treated in different concentration H2SO4solution. Phase composition, surface topography and microarea elements of these electrodes were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry, respectively. It was found that PtCu-LaOxcomposite membrane with Pt loading less than 0.045mg/cm2(the electrode area), and that the orientation growing of Pt(111) and Pt(200) would be promoted, and that Pt-Pt interval on surface of PtCu-LaOxwould reduce owing to Cu was dissolved from (Pt) through H2SO4solution treatment, and that average grain size of PtCu-LaOxdecreased and crystal face spacing steady along with rising concentration.

A techno-economic analysis of biomass gasifiers integrated with high and intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

In this paper the ECLIPSE process simulation package is used to model and make a techno-economic analysis of a range of systems that combine biomass gasification with SOFC stacks. Two forms of the SOFC are considered: the intermediate temperature (IT) solid oxide fuel cell and the standard high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell. The biomass gasification technology, which was selected for integration with the SOFC stacks, was the air-blown downdraught gasifier, because of its simplicity and relative cheapness. Willow and miscanthus were taken as the biomass fuels for the power plants. In addition, the sensitivity of the COE to variations in the fuel cost, the fuel cell cost, the fuel cell lifetime, and the waste heat selling price were examined and compared. From the ECLIPSE simulations, the efficiencies of both the HT and IT 250 kWe systems were found to be around 39% when willow was used as fuel and around 38% with miscanthus, the difference being due to moisture content, rather than any intrinsic property of the biomass. Similarly, for the 25-kWe systems, the efficiencies were found to be around 35 and 34% respectively. These values are higher than for any other biomass-fired electricity generation technologies of similar scale. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Plug-in hybrid fuel cell vehicles market penetration scenarios

The main objective of this research is to analyze the impact of the market share increase of hydrogen based road vehicles in terms of energy consumption and CO 2, on today's Portuguese light-duty fleet. Actual yearly values of energy consumption and emissions were estimated using COPERT software: 167112 TJ of fossil fuel energy, 12213 kton of CO 2 emission and 141 kton of CO, 20 kton of HC, 46 kton of NO x and 3 kton of PM. These values represent 20–40% of countries total emissions. Additionally to base fleet, three scenarios of introduction of 10–30% fuel cell vehicles including plug-in hybrids configurations were analysed. Considering the scenarios of increasing hydrogen based vehicles penetration, up to 10% life cycle energy consumption reduction can be obtained if hydrogen from centralized natural gas reforming is considered. Full life cycle CO 2 emissions can also be reduced up to 20% in these scenarios, while local pollutants reach up to 85% reductions. For the purpose of estimating road vehicle technologies energy consumption and CO 2 emissions in a full life cycle perspective, fuel cell, conventional full hybrids and hybrid plug-in technologies were considered with diesel, gasoline, hydrogen and biofuel blends. Energy consumption values were estimated in a real road driving cycle and with ADVISOR software. Materials cradle-to-grave life cycle was estimated using GREET database adapted to Europe electric mix. The main conclusions on CO 2 full life cycle analysis is that light-duty vehicles using fuel cell propulsion technology are highly dependent on hydrogen production pathway. The worst scenario for the current Portuguese and European electric mix is hydrogen produced from on-site electrolysis (in the refuelling stations). In this case full life cycle CO 2 is 270 g/km against 190 g/km for conventional Diesel vehicle, for a typical 150,000 km useful life. A brief energy price analysis was presented. We conclude that hydrogen price equivalent to gasoline energy price (€/MJ) is important to the consumer preference of hydrogen based vehicles. It is also possible a fuel cell cost comparable with internal combustion engine cost if sufficient market penetration and power density increase are attained.

Technology learning for fuel cells: An assessment of past and potential cost reductions

Fuel cells have gained considerable interest as a means to efficiently convert the energy stored in gases like hydrogen and methane into electricity. Further developing fuel cells in order to reach cost, safety and reliability levels at which their widespread use becomes feasible is an essential prerequisite for the potential establishment of a ‘hydrogen economy’. A major factor currently obviating the extensive use of fuel cells is their relatively high costs. At present we estimate these at about 1100 €(2005)/kW for an 80 kW fuel cell system but notice that specific costs vary markedly with fuel cell system power capacity. We analyze past fuel cell cost reductions for both individual manufacturers and the global market. We determine learning curves, with fairly high uncertainty ranges, for three different types of fuel cell technology – AFC, PAFC and PEMFC – each manufactured by a different producer. For PEMFC technology we also calculate a global learning curve, characterised by a learning rate of 21% with an error margin of 4%. Given their respective uncertainties, this global learning rate value is in agreement with those we find for different manufacturers. In contrast to some other new energy technologies, R&D still plays a major role in today’s fuel cell improvement process and hence probably explains a substantial part of our observed cost reductions. The remaining share of these cost reductions derives from learning-by-doing proper. Since learning-by-doing usually involves a learning rate of typically 20%, the residual value for pure learning we find for fuel cells is relatively low. In an ideal scenario for fuel cell technology we estimate a bottom-line for specific (80 kW system) manufacturing costs of 95 €(2005)/kW. Although learning curves observed in the past constitute no guarantee for sustained cost reductions in the future, when we assume global total learning at the pace calculated here as the only cost reduction mechanism, this ultimate cost figure is reached after a large-scale deployment about 10 times doubled with respect to the cumulative installed fuel cell capacity to date.

Catalytic Fe-xN Sites in Carbon Nanotubes

To reduce fuel cell cost, durable and inexpensive electrode catalysts need to be developed to replace precious metal materials, particularly for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction at cathodes. In this study, we explored the structure and the energetics of Fe-xN (x = 2,4) incorporated into carbon nanotubes and graphene using density functional theory to show that these structures are more stable than iron atoms on nanotubes and that pyridinic structures of Fe-4N are more favorable than pyrrolic structures. EXAFS spectra simulated from the optimized structures show good agreement with results of measurements obtained on arrays of aligned nanotubes doped with iron and nitrogen, which have demonstrated activity toward oxygen-reduction reactions.

Learning by doing, learning spillovers and the diffusion of fuel cell vehicles

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) running on hydrogen do not cause local air pollution. Depending on the energy sources used to produce the hydrogen they may also reduce greenhouse gases in the long term. Besides problems related to the necessary investments into hydrogen infrastructure, there is a general notion that current fuel cell costs are too high to be competitive with conventional engines. But given historical evidence from many other technologies it is highly likely that learning by doing (LBD) would lead to substantial cost reductions. In this study, we implement potential cost reductions from LBD into an existing agent-based model that captures the main dynamics of the introduction of the new technology together with hydrogen infrastructure build-up. Assumptions about the learning rate turn out to have a critical impact on the projected diffusion of the FCVs. Moreover, LBD could imply a substantial first mover advantage. We also address the impact of learning spillovers between producers and find that a government might face a policy trade-off between fostering diffusion by facilitating learning spillovers and protecting the relative advantage of a national technological leader.

Simulation of the market penetration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Korea

As fuel cell technologies are developed, hydrogen-powered vehicles are receiving more interest. The hydrogen economy, particularly hydrogen-powered vehicle penetration into the Korean transportation market, is studied in this paper. Vensim, a system dynamic code, was used to simulate the dynamics in the transportation market, assuming various types of vehicles such as gasoline, hybrid electricity, and hydrogen powered. Market share for each vehicle was predicted using the currently available data. The results showed that the hydrogen era will not be as bright as predicted by many people. The main barrier is the fuel cell cost. Thus, in order to expand the fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) market, hydrogen fuel cell cost needs to be dramatically reduced. Hydrogen-powered FCV cost, including operating and capital costs, should reach $0.16 per kilometer in order to seize 50% of the newly created transportation market. However, if strong policies or subsidies are implemented, the results predicted here will be affected. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Effects of Multiple Contaminants on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Operating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) on ultra high purity hydrogen (UHP) and clean air would be ideal. However, producing UHP H2 may be cost prohibitive and therefore tradeoffs between hydrogen clean up and fuel cell cost and durability need to be explored. Hydrogen for wide spread fuel cell commercialization will likely primarily come from reforming of fossil fuels, at least initially. The reformation of hydrocarbon fuels such as methane or coal produces impurities. The concentration and type depend on the fossil fuel and the reformation process. We have tested a fuel specification, listed in Table 1, provided by the US FreedomCar Tech Team as a function of different Pt anode loadings. These loadings were in line with the Department of Energy's 2010 and 2015 technical targets. Our findings indicate that NH3 and H2S are responsible for the majority of performance losses. We observed an increase in the high frequency resistance suggesting ammonium poisoning of the membrane, and cyclic voltammetry showed a large oxidation peak (>0.8V), which suggests sulfur poisoning of the anode. CO was not found on the surface at long exposure times.

6-2 動的なエネルギー需要を考慮した全電化システムと全水素システムの燃料電池の価格の感度分析((1)省エネルギーの評価・開発1,Session 6 省エネルギー,研究発表(口頭発表))

6-2 動的なエネルギー需要を考慮した全電化システムと全水素システムの燃料電池の価格の感度分析((1)省エネルギーの評価・開発1,Session 6 省エネルギー,研究発表(口頭発表))

Limiting Current Operation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells at high current densities is a potential option to reduce fuel cell cost and volume for automotive applications. This operating regime was investigated using low cell voltages leading to limiting current density values. A zero-dimensional cell voltage model and a one-dimensional low cell voltage model were developed and validated. The operating conditions required for model applicability were summarized. The gas diffusion electrode overall mass transfer coefficient was identified as a key design parameter.

U.S. Department of Energy′s Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Technical Advances

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

U.S. Department of Energy's Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Technical Advances

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy's (FE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in partnership with private industries, is leading the development and demonstration of high‐efficiency solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and fuel cell turbine hybrid power generation systems for distributed generation (DG) markets. The DOE FE DG program has three aspects: the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA), Central Power Systems, and the High Temperature Electrochemistry Center (HiTEC). NETL is partnering with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in developing new directions in research under SECA for the development and commercialization of modular, low‐cost, and fuel‐flexible SOFC systems. The SECA initiative, through advanced materials, processing, and system integration research and development (R&amp;D) will bring the fuel cell cost to $400 per kilowatt (kW) by 2010 for stationary and auxiliary power unit markets. The SECA program is currently structured to include six competing industry teams supported by a crosscutting core technology program. DOE is ultimately concerned with coal‐based central power plants. Advanced aspects of solid oxide technology are part of HiTEC R&amp;D.

The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy Stationary Fuel Cell Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy's (FE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in partnership with private industries, is leading a program for the development and demonstration of high efficiency solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and fuel cell/turbine hybrid power generation systems for near-term distributed generation markets, with emphasis on premium power and high reliability. NETL is partnering with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in developing new directions for research under the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) initiative to develop and commercialize modular, low cost, and fuel flexible SOFC systems. Through advanced materials, processing and system integration research and development (R&D), the SECA initiative will reduce the fuel cell cost to $400 kW −1 for stationary and auxiliary power unit markets. The SECA industry teams and core program have made significant progress in scale-up and performance. Presidential initiatives are focusing research toward a new hydrogen economy. The movement to a hydrogen economy would accomplish several strategic goals, namely that SOFCs have no emissions, and hence figure significantly in DOE strategies. The SOFC hybrid is a key part of the FutureGen plant, a major new DOE FE initiative to produce hydrogen from coal. The highly efficient SOFC hybrid plant will produce electric power while other parts of the plant could produce hydrogen and sequester CO 2. The produced hydrogen can be used in fuel cell cars and for SOFC distributed generation applications.

Penetration of residential fuel cells and CO 2 mitigation—case studies in Japan by multi-objective models

Residential fuel cells will be launched to commercial markets as home appliances in the near future in Japan. In the system, fuel processors to make hydrogen from natural gas are combined with fuel cell stacks. This type of system has limitations in efficiency and flexibility, making the transition process to a hydrogen energy-based society unclear. This paper proposes the separation of the fuel processors from the fuel cell stacks, along with the interconnection of residential dwellings and an energy interchange via a web of electricity, heat, and hydrogen networks. Residential penetration of fuel cells and associated effects over the next 30 years were analyzed under a number of scenarios: two scenarios with and without energy interchange, and seven scenarios examining future uncertainties in fuel prices, fuel cell costs, and product lifetimes, using a multi-objective model of cost reduction and CO 2 emission mitigation. The results of the analyses show that the interconnection and the energy interchange provide a gradual penetration from the early stage, the influences of the changes in energy prices are large, and a subsidy for the initial costs of the fuel cell system accelerates the penetration of fuel cells.

U. S. DOE Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Technical Advances

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy's (FE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in partnership with private industries, is leading the development and demonstration of high efficiency solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and fuel cell turbine (FCT) hybrid power generation systems for distributed generation (DG) markets. The DOE FE DG program has three aspects: the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA), Central Power Systems and the High Temperature Electrochemistry Center (HiTEC). NETL is partnering with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in developing new directions in research under SECA for the development and commercialization of modular, low cost, and fuel flexible SOFC systems. The SECA initiative, through advanced materials, processing and system integration research and development (R&D) will bring the fuel cell cost to $400 per kilowatt (kW) by 2010 for stationary and auxiliary power unit (APU) markets. The SECA program is currently structured to include six competing industry teams supported by a crosscutting core technology program (CTP). DOE is ultimately concerned with coal-based central power plants. Advanced aspects of solid oxide technology are part of HiTEC R&D.

Pre-feasibility study of stand-alone hybrid energy systems for applications in Newfoundland

A potential solution for stand-alone power generation is to use a hybrid energy system in parallel with some hydrogen energy storage. In this paper, a pre-feasibility study of using hybrid energy systems with hydrogen as an energy carrier for applications in Newfoundland, Canada is explained. Various renewable and non-renewable energy sources, energy storage methods and their applicability in terms of cost and performance are discussed. HOMER is used as a sizing and optimization tool. Sensitivity analysis with wind speed data, solar radiation level, diesel price and fuel cell cost was done. A remote house having an energy consumption of 25 kW h/d with a 4.73 kW peak power demand was considered as the stand-alone load. It was found that, a wind–diesel–battery hybrid system is the most suitable solution at present. However, with a reduction of fuel cell cost to 15% of its current value, a wind–fuel cell system would become a superior choice. Validity of such projection and economics against conventional power sources were identified. Sizing, performance and various cost indices were also analyzed in this paper.