Fuel Cell Market Research Articles

Prediction of polarization curves of PEMFC membrane electrode assembly using artificial intelligence technics

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are used commercially in automobiles, buses, uninterruptible power supplies, and combined heat power systems, holding a significant place in the fuel cell market. Fuel cell performance is characterized by polarization curves in design and manufacturing processes. This study predicts a PEMFC’s polarization curves using comparative artificial intelligence (AI) models trained and tested under different operational conditions. The AI model inputs are cell temperature, humidity, anode-cathode flow, and membrane resistance. The outputs are cell voltage and current density. The model outputs are compared with experimental values for 50°C, 100% humidity using MATLAB software. The average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for the ANFIS prediction is 0.056112, while for the ANN prediction it is 0.011919. These results indicate that the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method outperforms the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) in predicting the behavior of the PEMFC’s Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). The models showed promising results with high accuracy.

Performance analysis of multi-stack fuel cell systems for large buildings using electricity and heat

The fuel cell market, which utilizes hydrogen as a fuel for zero-carbon power generation to address global warming, continues to grow steadily. In the building sector, where small-scale fuel cells of 10 kW or less have been predominant, there is increasing interest in scaling up fuel cells to increase deployment and reduce system costs. The multi-stack fuel cell system (MFCS), which consists of connecting multiple modules, is one method of configuring large-scale fuel cell systems, offering advantages in system efficiency, durability, and cost. The objective of this paper is to compare and analyze the behavior of the MFCS according to different operation strategies. In particular, it compares the Equivalent operation method, which behaves similarly to the single-stack fuel cell system (SFCS), with others (Daisy-Chain, Electrical Optimization). Unlike previous studies that only focused on the electrical efficiency of MFCS, this study analyzed thermal energy, which is indispensable in building applications, to maximize the effects of MFCS. Simulation of operation strategies based on the electricity and heat demand of a specific residence showed that MFCS outperformed the SFCS in terms of electrical and heat efficiency, hydrogen consumption, degradation, and operating costs.

Recent Advances in the Development of Nanocarbon-Based Electrocatalytic/Electrode Materials for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review

The global issue for proton exchange membrane fuel cell market development is a reduction in the device cost through an increase in efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction occurring at the cathode and an extension of the service life of the electrochemical device. Losses in the fuel cell performance are due to various degradation mechanisms in the catalytic layers taking place under conditions of high electric potential, temperature, and humidity. This review is devoted to recent advances in the field of increasing the efficiency and durability of electrocatalysts and other electrode materials by introducing structured carbon components into their composition. The main synthesis methods, physicochemical and electrochemical properties of materials, and performance of devices on their basis are presented. The main correlations between the composition and properties of structured carbon electrode materials, which can provide successful solutions to the highlighted issues, are revealed.

MEA Cost Reduction through Manufacturing Approaches and Material‐Level Innovation

Globally, the demand for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been growing exponentially. For this growth to continue, it is imperative that the cost of PEMFC technology continues to decrease. While most cost reduction strategies focus on a reduction in the loading of platinum group metals (PGMs), for a large portion of the fuel cell community, these approaches are not yet viable as they require advanced system strategies and unification of the system, stack, membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and component teams which is not widely achieved in the broader fuel cell market. Unlike prior discussions on this topic which depend upon the incorporation of novel materials or significantly larger manufacturing volumes, in this overview, more immediately achievable cost reduction methods are examined to determine a reasonable cost target that can be achieved without having to target ultralow PGM loadings. It will be shown that through rational selection of available Pt/C catalysts for specific applications, sourcing of core materials within China, and improvements in the production process to reduce waste, the MEA price can reach levels of <USD 0.06 W−1 even with conventional PGM loadings (e.g., 0.07 mg cm−2 anode and 0.3 mg cm−2 cathode).

On Hydrogen Energy, the Global Market for Fuel Cells, and the Development of Domestic Gas-Diffusion Layers

On Hydrogen Energy, the Global Market for Fuel Cells, and the Development of Domestic Gas-Diffusion Layers

Selectively oxygen reduction reaction and strongly suppressed CO poisoning on PtZn nanoalloys decorated on N-doped carbon sphere

The development of a high-performance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst with a low Pt content, high activity, and long-term durability is crucial as it can become a core item in the fuel cell market. In this study, the amount of Pt used in the catalyst is reduced by more than three-fold compared with commercial catalysts. Concurrently, a PtZn alloy, which does not use expensive transition metals, is introduced as an active species. Nitrogen-doped carbon sphere (CS), which serves as an electron sink, is used as a support; it acts as a Lewis base site and facilitates H+ adsorption during the ORR. The analytical results reveal that the introduction of Zn is significantly more favorable for the ORR compared with N-doping. O2-pulse temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) reveals that most of the O2 molecules are adsorbed on Zn, and CO-pulse TPD demonstrates that Zn suppresses CO poisoning in the PtZn alloys. The mass and specific activities of the Pt1Zn1/N-CS electrode at 0.9 V are 5.94 A mg–1 and 0.79 mA cm–2, respectively, and a rotational frequency of 2.5 e-site–1 s–1 is achieved. The electrochemical performance remains unchanged even after 5000 cycles. The ORR on the Pt1Zn1/N-CS electrode does not occur randomly on Pt and Zn; Pt and Zn selectively attract and reduce *O, *OH, or *OOH which generated as intermediates.

Global and China fuel cell market and trend research report 2023: Breakthroughs in localization of core fuel cell technology to drive growth

Global and China fuel cell market and trend research report 2023: Breakthroughs in localization of core fuel cell technology to drive growth

Kinetic process assessment of H2 purification over highly porous carbon sorbents under multicomponent feed conditions

As a universal energy carrier, the need for pure H2 is ever increasing due to its ubiquitous role in petrochemical refining, metal reduction, and the up-and-coming fuel cell market. Hydrogen produced from steam methane reforming (SMR) is typically laden with impurities such as CO2, CO, and CH4 and a full efficiency screening for potential H2 purification sorbents requires evaluating the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors associated with multicomponent pressure swing adsorption (PSA). As such, in this study we assessed three commercially available activated carbons with high surface area and pore volume for the PSA upgrading of H2 from simulated SMR off-gas stream consisting of H2/CO/CH4/CO2 (75/5/5/15 vol%). In addition to high-pressure adsorption isotherms for pure gases, H2 purity and recovery, and H2 productivity were estimated from cyclic PSA experiments, while actual (CO + CH4 + CO2)/H2 selectivity values were estimated from breakthrough experiments. For the best performing material, the results demonstrated H2 purity and recovery of 99.6 and 55.3 %, respectively with a productivity of 18.3 molH2/kg.h and multicomponent (CO + CH4 + CO2)/H2 selectivity of 59.86 %. Moreover, the affinity of the different adsorbates toward the activated carbons presented from the most adsorbed to the least adsorbed gas was in the order of CO2 > CH4 > CO ≫ H2. The H2 purification over these carbon-based adsorbents was found to be an equilibrium-controlled process.

Multi-Atom PGM Based Catalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction(ORR) and Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction (HOR) in Alkaline Environment

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have recently seen significant growth in interest as their achievable current density, peak power density, and longevity have been improved dramatically. Though these advances in performance have been important for demonstrating the feasibility of the technology, nearly all AEMFCs reported in the literature have required a relatively high loading of platinum group metal (PGM)-based catalysts at both the anode and cathode electrodes [1]. However, to take command of the low-temperature fuel cell market, AEMFCs cannot simply reach the same performance as incumbent proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which have had decades of development and investment. AEMFCs must realize their most widely quoted advantage over PEMFCs and be produced at a much lower cost than PEMFCs. The most likely pathway to acceptably low cost will involve reducing the PGM loading in both electrodes. At the cathode, reasonable PGM-free catalysts exist, as will be shown in this work. At the anode; however, there are no practical contenders that exist to replace PGM-based catalysts. Hence, the most practical approach is to create transitional catalysts with ultra-low PGM content until future PGM-free catalysts can be realized. To reduce the platinum group metal (PGM) loading in anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) electrodes, it is important to transition to catalysts with very low PGM content, and eventually to create catalysts that are completely PGM-free. One approach that can be used in both cases is to create atomically dispersed metals on a carbon support. In this work, four catalysts were prepared using a new, simple, scalable Controlled Surface Tension (CST) method: Pt/C, Pt/NC, PtRu/C, and PtRu/NC. CST is unique as it allows for a high density of very small multi-atom clusters, facilitated by altering the surface tension in the synthesis medium. The catalysts were physically characterized using a wide array of techniques, including high-resolution Cs aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES). The catalysts were also tested for their oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen oxidation reaction activity both ex-situ on a rotating ring-disk electrode and in-situ while integrated into the anode (PtRu) and cathode (Pt) of operating AEMFCs. With this new generation of low-PGM materials, it was possible to reduce the PGM loading by a factor of 14 while achieving comparable performance to commercial catalysts with a peak power density approaching 2 W/cm2. AEMFCs were also assembled with ultralow PGM loading (0.05 mgPGM/cm2), where PtRu/NC anodes were paired with Fe–N–C cathodes [2], which allowed for the demonstration of cells with a specific power of 25 W/mgPGM (40 W/mgPt).

Global fuel cell market to reach $9.1 bn by 2027

Global fuel cell market to reach $9.1 bn by 2027

Success factors for demonstration projects of small-scale stationary fuel cells in residential buildings

Worldwide small-scale micro-CHPs account for the largest share in the fuel cell market by units of installation (not by installed power output). Notably, the Japanese Ene-Farm program is responsible for over 400.000 micro-CHP fuel cell installations (until the end of June 2021). This is the largest worldwide deployment program and it reflects the long- and outstanding commitment of both the Japanese government and the Japanese industry to form a ‘Hydrogen Society’. In Europe, the situation is entirely different. European projects like PACE financed by the European joint undertaking for hydrogen and fuel cells give a positive impulse for fuel cell based micro-CHP, however it has to be judged as insufficient for a market transformation measure. Presently, only Germany, notably by the KFW433 program, is providing frame conditions for a rollout of fuel cell based micro-CHP systems. This article analyses the success factors for the implementation of Ene-Farm systems in Japan. It compares the different frame conditions of Japan and European countries like Austria and discusses the question whether an Ene-Farm project based on the Japanese success factors could be replicated in Austria. On a bird’s eye, a European perspective will be derived from the analysis.

Comprehensive Review on Fuel Cell Technology for Stationary Applications as Sustainable and Efficient Poly-Generation Energy Systems

Fuel cell technologies have several applications in stationary power production, such as units for primary power generation, grid stabilization, systems adopted to generate backup power, and combined-heat-and-power configurations (CHP). The main sectors where stationary fuel cells have been employed are (a) micro-CHP, (b) large stationary applications, (c) UPS, and IPS. The fuel cell size for stationary applications is strongly related to the power needed from the load. Since this sector ranges from simple backup systems to large facilities, the stationary fuel cell market includes few kWs and less (micro-generation) to larger sizes of MWs. The design parameters for the stationary fuel cell system differ for fuel cell technology (PEM, AFC, PAFC, MCFC, and SOFC), as well as the fuel type and supply. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of two main trends of research on fuel-cell-based poly-generation systems: tracking the market trends and performance analysis. In deeper detail, the present review will list a potential breakdown of the current costs of PEM/SOFC production for building applications over a range of production scales and at representative specifications, as well as broken down by component/material. Inherent to the technical performance, a concise estimation of FC system durability, efficiency, production, maintenance, and capital cost will be presented.

Hybrid Renewable Hydrogen Energy Solution for Application in Remote Mines

Mining operations in remote locations rely heavily on diesel fuel for the electricity, haulage and heating demands. Such significant diesel dependency imposes large carbon footprints to these mines. Consequently, mining companies are looking for better energy strategies to lower their carbon footprints. Renewable energies can relieve this over-reliance on fossil fuels. Yet, in spite of their many advantages, renewable systems deployment on a large scale has been very limited, mainly due to the high battery storage system. Using hydrogen for energy storage purposes due to its relatively cheaper technology can facilitate the application of renewable energies in the mining industry. Such cost-prohibitive issues prevent achieving 100% penetration rate of renewables in mining applications. This paper offers a novel integrated renewable–multi-storage (wind turbine/battery/fuel cell/thermal storage) solution with six different configurations to secure 100% off-grid mining power supply as a stand-alone system. A detailed comparison between the proposed configurations is presented with recommendations for implementation. A parametric study is also performed, identifying the effect of different parameters (i.e., wind speed, battery market price, and fuel cell market price) on economics of the system. The result of the present study reveals that standalone renewable energy deployment in mine settings is technically and economically feasible with the current market prices, depending on the average wind speed at the mine location.

(Invited) Fuel Cells for Heavy Duty Vehicles

The commercialization of fuel cell products for a variety of applications including forklifts, buses, cars and heavy duty trucks is well underway. Particularly in the heavy duty fuel cell market, recent studies suggest that in Europe, fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) total cost of ownership (TCO) will breakeven with battery electric buses (BEB) by 2023, and with internal combustion engine buses (ICEB) by 20241. For applications such as long-distance and heavy-duty transportation, the hydrogen route appears the decarbonisation option of choice, and can become cost competitive with internal combustion engines by 20302.Over the past 30 years, Ballard has developed a wide array of technology “building blocks” for Fuel Cell stacks components. The application requirements (duty cycle, speed, vehicle weight, lifetime and environmental exposure) will determine the key stack features and result in customization of components where economically viable. In contrast with fuel cell stacks developed for passenger cars, Fuel Cells for heavy duty vehicles are particularly challenged by high durability requirements3, with MEA attributes such as catalyst loading and peak efficiency point significantly affecting stack and fuel costs.Building on proven and demonstrated stack durability in the field of more than 35,000 hours in heavy duty vehicles4 Ballard’s MEA development activities draw from extensive field experience to support step changes in durability with each subsequent product iteration. The use of an accelerated testing and modeling approach developed and validated over numerous product iterations enables continuous cost decreases and gains in power density, operational robustness and reliability, with a calculated risk tolerance for new technology introduction.Those MEA durability prediction models along with a good understanding of failure mechanisms are a cornerstone to developing the next generation of Fuel Cells for heavy duty vehicles. Of particular importance is the use of the voltage degradation model to evaluate the time to reach the degradation target for heavy duty applications (USDOE Ultimate target of 10% degradation at 30,000 hours5). Simulation results as a function of the electrode composition show the relationship between cathode catalyst loading and lifetime, and assist in making electrode design and composition choices for a successfully durable product. A sharp increase in voltage loss is observed when local oxygen transport resistance becomes limiting once the cathode reaches low surface area. Maximizing beginning-of-life catalyst electrochemical surface area (ECSA) utilization in the electrode structure, as well as optimizing surface area retention, can have significant benefits for lifetime. A combination of design choices or processing parameters during catalyst layer fabrication can be effective ways to optimize the electrode6.The same voltage degradation model is used to demonstrate the relationship between lifetime and the peak operating current density of the product, which limits the stack design power density within the allocated voltage degradation constraints of heavy-duty vehicles.The simulation results demonstrate that the ideal Fuel Cell stack for heavy duty applications is the result of complex trade-offs between cost, stack design attributes (e.g. catalyst loading), active area sizing (peak efficiency point) and durability, with the ultimate goal to achieve an attractive TCO for wide acceptance of the technology. References Deloitte and Ballard. (2020). Fueling the Future of Mobility: Hydrogen and fuel cell solutions for transportation. Volume 1 [White paper]. Deloitte China. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/cn/Documents/finance/deloitte-cn-fueling-the-future-of-mobility-en-200101.pdf McKinsey & Company and Hydrogen Council. (2020). Path to hydrogen competitiveness: A cost perspective. https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/19006_hydrogen_class8_long_haul_truck_targets.pdfMacauley, N., Lauritzen, M., Knights, S. and Kjeang, E., J. Electrochem. Soc., 165(10), F780 (2018).https://www.ballard.com/about-ballard/newsroom/news-releases/2020/01/27/ballard-powers-fuel-cell-electric-vehicles-for-unprecedented-30-million-kilometers-enough-to-circle-the-globe-750-timesUSDOE Hydrogen Class 8 Long Haul Truck Targets https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/19006_hydrogen_class8_long_haul_truck_targets.pdf M. Dutta, A. Young, V. Colbow, J. Bellerive, S. Knights, Examining Catalyst Layer Design Strategies for Improved Fuel Cell Performance and Durability, ECS PRiME 2020

Design of Experiment (DOE) Analysis of 5-Cell Stack Fuel Cell Using Three Bipolar Plate Geometry Designs

The investigation conducted is aimed at establishing the best operational conditions to obtain the best output of a 5-cell stack Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with three different bipolar plate geometries. The work further explores the best input parameters that will yield the maximum voltage, current power as well as fuel efficiency from each of the three designs under investigation. A polarization curve was generated for each of the three designs and a surface response plot developed for each experiment. The work concluded that the spiral design performed very well compared to the other designs under investigation and even existing on the fuel cell market.

Micro-cogeneration based on solid oxide fuel cells: Market opportunities in the agriculture/livestock sector

Bio-waste embeds an extraordinary renewable potential, and it becomes a source of energy savings when transformed into a valuable resource, like biogas. Cogeneration (CHP) from biogas employing high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) scores a high sustainability level, thanks to improved environmental and energy performances. The synergy between the niche market of small/micro biogas producers and SOFCs might act as a springboard to open market opportunities for both SOFC commercialization and business upgrade of small farms. However, local regulations, waste management, renewable energy subsidies and, above all, availability of eligible sites, determine real chances for on-the-ground implementation.Through a detailed analysis of the application scenario, this research aims at investigating opportunities for the experimentation of SOFC–CHP in small biogas plants and identifying the possible bottlenecks for future deployment. When it becomes relevant, energy conversion of livestock (especially cattle and swine) and agriculture waste requires SOFC modules from 10 kWe to 35 kWe. This is in line with the current status of SOFC suppliers. Moreover, considering the fuel cell market roll-out, the average levelized cost of electricity is expected to decrease from 0.387 €/kWh to 0.115 €/kWh, when electricity is produced from livestock waste available on-site.

Automotive fuel cell market to reach 932,600 units by 2028

Automotive fuel cell market to reach 932,600 units by 2028

Hydrogen fuel cell market continued upward trajectory in 2019, led by Asian demand

Hydrogen fuel cell market continued upward trajectory in 2019, led by Asian demand

Global fuel cell market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 17.4% between 2018 and 2025

Global fuel cell market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 17.4% between 2018 and 2025

Platinum Demand and Potential Bottlenecks in the Global Green Transition: A Dynamic Material Flow Analysis.

Platinum, as a key catalytic material, is important for the global green transition due both to its current main use in autocatalysts and its increasing use in emerging and renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. In this study, we developed a dynamic material flow analysis model to characterize the global platinum cycle between 1975 and 2016 and to develop scenarios for future global platinum demand to 2050. Our results show that the autocatalyst and jewelry uses represent the most primary platinum use and possess the highest platinum stocks in use by 2016; however, when closed loop recycling is considered, the gross platinum demand from the glass industry would be the largest. Many socioeconomic (e.g., population and car ownership) and technological (e.g., engine and energy technologies) factors will affect the future demand for platinum in a global green transition. Our analysis concludes that, only in high demand scenarios and when fuel cell market penetration is high compared to the expected, the aggregate demand to 2050 will exceed the 2016 global platinum reserves. Improving the end of life collection and recycling rates would be important to address potential future supply risks due to geopolitical reasons. These demand scenarios and further mapping of the global platinum value chain can help inform government and industry policies on transportation and energy transition, platinum supply risk mitigation, and recycling capacity planning and technology development.