Fuel Cell Unit Research Articles

An efficient scenario-based stochastic programming method for optimal scheduling of CHP-PEMFC, WT, PV and hydrogen storage units in micro grids

Nowadays, renewable energy resources are increasingly used to supply electrical loads in micro grids, which these units should be scheduled coordinately. In this paper a stochastic model for coordinated scheduling of renewable and thermal units is proposed. Understudied units consists of fuel cell units with proton exchange membrane which generate heat and power simultaneously (PEMFC-CHP), wind and photovoltaic units. Moreover, the strategy of storing hydrogen is also considered for PEMFC-CHP units. Uncertainties of wind speed, solar radiation and market prices are considered using scenario based method. In the proposed stochastic programming problem, the strategy of storing hydrogen is considered by a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINP) problem. The uncertainties of parameters convert the MINP problem to a stochastic MINP one. Moreover, optimal coordinated scheduling of renewable energy resources and thermal units in micro-grids improve the value of the objective function. To solve this problem, Modified Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (MTLBO) algorithm is used and its performance is evaluated on a modified 33 bus distribution network. Simulation results represent that by using MTLBO method, the revenue increases more than 5 percentages in comparison with other optimization methods. In addition, considering CHP increases total profit of the system more than 15%.

RETRACTED: Optimal performance of fuel cell-CHP-battery based micro-grid under real-time energy management: An epsilon constraint method and fuzzy satisfying approach

Abstract In this paper, the short-term scheduling of fuel cell and combined heat and power based microgrid by considering cost and emission minimization and different demand response program, as a multi-objective microgrid dispatch problem, is studied. In order to reduce operational cost, time of-use and real time pricing demand response programs have been modeled, and the effects of these programs on the load profile have been discussed. The Pareto solutions in multi objective model are generated by using the e-constraint method which transforms the multi-objective optimization problem into a single-objective problem and the optimal solution has been chosen by implementing fuzzy satisfying approach. The microgrid contains a fuel cell unit, two combined heat and power generation units, power-only unit, boiler, battery storage system, and heat buffer tank. The application of the proposed method is investigated and three cases have been studied. The first case is solved without considering demand response programs. In other two cases time-of-use rate demand response and real time pricing demand response are considered respectively and the impact of demand response programs on microgrid scheduling is discussed. To model the proposed cost-emission operation scheduling of microgrid a mixed-integer linear program is used and solved by GAMS software.

Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Connected to Solar PV/T System: Cell Electrochemical Modelling and Analysis

In this paper, a novel power generation cum storage system employing reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) has been proposed and modelled. The RSOFC is integrated with solar PV/T system. Here only the electrochemical modelling of the fuel cell unit has been presented and analysed thermodynamically. The RSOFC unit operates in steam electrolyser mode (during day time) as well as in fuel cell mode (during night time). The electrochemical model has been developed by using Engineering Equation Solver. Performance of RSOFC unit has been investigated under varying operating parameters viz. applied current density and operating cell temperature. For electrolyser mode of operation maximum efficiency is found to be 93% at a current density (J) 8000 A/m2 and at cell temperature (Tcell) 1273K. Maximum efficiency during fuel cell mode of operation is found to be 77% at cell temperature 1073K and at current density 500 A/m2.

Optimal sizing and location of renewable energy based DG units in distribution systems considering load growth

In recent years, scientists have extensively focused on renewable energy resources such as wind power and solar units to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels as the main source of environmental pollutions. One of the main challenges for the production of wind and solar energies is that they often involve uncertainties due to the stochastic natures of wind speeds and solar radiation. Therefore, the existing uncertainties in the resources of wind and solar units must be considered in the planning procedure of distribution systems for having a reliable performance. To consider uncertainties in the output power of renewable energy resources, a new formulation is proposed to determine the optimal location and sizing of solar and wind units in the distribution system. To achieve this, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm as a robust technique is employed to find the best location and sizing of wind, solar and fuel cell units in the distribution system. The main objective of the present work is to minimize the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the total power losses, the total cost of DG units (including investments, replacement, operation and maintenance costs) and greenhouse gas emissions. Different types of loads such as linear and non-linear loads as well as load growth are also considered in the distribution system. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, 31-bus test system is considered as the case study. Our findings show that the use of renewable energy resources significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions in the mentioned system. Furthermore, the simulation results reveal that DG units must be added at some years to keep the voltage within its allowable limits.

Identifying business opportunities for green innovations: A quantitative foundation for accelerated micro-fuel cell diffusion in residential buildings

Combined heat and power (CHP) production in buildings is one of the mitigation options available for achieving a considerable decrease in GHG emissions. Micro-CHP (mCHP) fuel cells are capable of cogenerating electricity and heat very efficiently on a decentralised basis. Although they offer clear environmental benefits and have the potential to create a systemic change in energy provision, the diffusion of mCHP fuel cells is rather slow. There are numerous potential drivers for the successful diffusion of fuel cell cogeneration units, but key economic actors are often unaware of them. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of barriers, drivers and business opportunities surrounding micro-CHP fuel-cell units (up to 5 kWel) in the German building market. Business opportunities have been identified based not only on quantitative data for drivers and barriers, but also on discussions with relevant stakeholders such as housing associations, which are key institutional demand-side actors. These business opportunities include fuel cell contracting as well as the development of a large lighthouse project to demonstrate the climate-neutral, efficient use of fuel cells in the residential building sector. The next step could involve the examination and development of more detailed options and business models. The approach and methods used in the survey may be applied on a larger scale and in other sectors.

Toshiba pure hydrogen fuel cell unit powers 7-Eleven store in Japan

Toshiba has installed a pure hydrogen fuel cell system that is now generating CO2-free electricity at a 7-Eleven store in Tokyo, the first delivery of the system for a convenience store in Japan.

Pd-Pt loaded graphene aerogel on nickel foam composite as binder-free anode for a direct glucose fuel cell unit

Fabrication of electrocatalyst for direct glucose fuel cell (DGFC) operation involves destructive preparation methods with the use of stabilizer like binder, which may cause activity depreciation. Binder-free electrocatalytic electrode becomes a possible solution to the above problem. Binder-free bimetallic Pd-Pt loaded graphene aerogel on nickel foam plates with different Pd/Pt ratios (1:2.32, 1:1.62, and 1:0.98) are successfully fabricated through a green one-step mild reduction process producing a Pd-Pt/GO/nickel form plate (NFP) composite. Anode with the binder-free electrocatalysts exhibit a strong activity in a batch type DGFC unit under room temperature. The effects of glucose and KOH concentrations, and the Pd/Pt ratios of the electrocatalyst on the DGFC performance are also studied. Maximum power density output of 1.25 mW cm−2 is recorded with 0.5 M glucose/3 M KOH as the anodic fuel, and Pd1Pt0.98/GA/NFP as catalyst, which is the highest obtained so far among other types of electrocatalyst.

Real-time AC voltage control and power-following of a combined proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and ultracapacitor bank with nonlinear loads

The nonlinear loads create a wide range of current harmonics in the system. Such loads can make distortions on the output voltage profile, influence on the fuel cell (FC) performance, and endanger safe operation of the FC unit. In this paper, new strategies for power-following and AC voltage control have been developed. The proposed system consists of the ultracapacitor (UC) bank and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) supplying nonlinear AC loads. The power tracking strategy is based on the Fourier analysis of total load demand. The Fourier analysis is used as an effective tool to eliminate destructive effect of current harmonics on the PEMFC output current. To supply the nonlinear AC loads under sinusoidal voltage with the fast response, a dynamic model for the inverter control loop is also presented. This model is used to enhance the input reference tracking and reject input/output disturbances. The simulation outcomes confirm the desirable PEMFC performance against nonlinear load disturbances. In addition, the output AC voltage is kept sinusoidal and has low deviations under nonlinear load variations.

Hydrogenics modules for Chinese fuel cell buses, trucks in Norway for ASKO

Canadian-based Hydrogenics has signed a Purchase and Licence Agreement for technology and fuel cells with Blue-G New Energy Science and Technology Corporation in China, under which it will deliver 1000 fuel cell units to Blue-G for integration into fuel cell electric buses. Hydrogenics has also been awarded a contract to deliver four hydrogen fuel cell systems to be integrated into Scania trucks owned and operated by Norwegian grocery wholesaler ASKO.

Transport in Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications-A Systematic Non-Equilibrium Approach.

We hypothesize that the properties of proton-exchange membranes for fuel cell applications cannot be described unambiguously unless interface effects are taken into account. In order to prove this, we first develop a thermodynamically consistent description of the transport properties in the membranes, both for a homogeneous membrane and for a homogeneous membrane with two surface layers in contact with the electrodes or holder material. For each subsystem, homogeneous membrane, and the two surface layers, we limit ourselves to four parameters as the system as a whole is considered to be isothermal. We subsequently analyze the experimental results on some standard membranes that have appeared in the literature and analyze these using the two different descriptions. This analysis yields relatively well-defined values for the homogeneous membrane parameters and estimates for those of the surface layers and hence supports our hypothesis. As demonstrated, the method used here allows for a critical evaluation of the literature values. Moreover, it allows optimization of stacked transport systems such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cell units where interfacial layers, such as that between the catalyst and membrane, are taken into account systematically.

Automated assembling of single fuel cell units for use in a fuel cell stack

The manufacturing of PEMFC stacks (POLYMER ELEKTROLYT MEMBRAN Fuel Cell) is nowadays still done by hand. Over hundreds of identical single components have to be placed accurate together for the construction of a fuel cell stack. Beside logistic problems, higher total costs and disadvantages in weight the high number of components produce a higher statistic interference because of faulty erection or material defects and summation of manufacturing tolerances. The saving of costs is about 20 – 25 %. Furthermore, the total weight of the fuel cells will be reduced because of a new sealing technology. Overall a one minute cycle time has to be aimed per cell at the manufacturing of these single components. The change of the existing sealing concept to a bonded sealing is one of the important requisites to get an automated manufacturing of single cell units. One of the important steps for an automated gluing process is the checking of the glue application by using of an image processing system. After bonding the single fuel cell the sealing and electrical function can be checked, so that only functional and high qualitative cells can get into further manufacturing processes.

Convion SOFC for DEMOSOFC project uses renewable biogas

Finnish company Convion has successfully started testing of the first biogas solid oxide fuel cell unit belonging to a pilot delivery to Italy, as part of the EU-funded DEMOSOFC project. The unit is now undergoing a series of tests at Convion prior to shipment to Turin.

Thermodynamic and economic assessment of off-grid portable cooling systems with energy storage for emergency areas

This study aims to investigate performance and cost aspects of a solar powered portable cooling system to conserve first aid supplies for off-grid areas with energy storage. Due to the intermittent nature of solar energy availability, two energy storage options are considered for a stationary system. Additional to the standalone system without energy storage, hydrogen is selected to be the storage medium by considering electrolysis at day time, and use of a hydrogen fuel cell unit at night time. This system consists of solar photovoltaic cells, a Polymer Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis unit (PEME), hydrogen tank, a PEM fuel cell unit (PEMFC), and a vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) system to condition a container rated with ∼11kW cooling load. The second system utilizes pumped – hydro storage (PHS) technology using a simple pump – turbine couple by storing water at a higher reservoir during day time and utilizing it to produce hydro power at night. Existence of higher reservoir brings a significant additional cost for the PHS system, making this configuration almost four times more costly than that of the hydrogen storage option, even though the storage efficiency of the PHS system is significantly higher than the hydrogen storage.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Emulator Using PI Controlled Buck Converter

Alternative energy technologies are being popular for power generation applications nowadays. Among others, Fuel cell (FC) technology is quite popular. However, the FC unit is costly and vulnerable to any disturbances in input parameters. Thus, to perform research and experimentation, Fuel cell emulators (FCE) can be useful. FCEs can replicate actual FC behavior in different operating conditions. Thus, by using it the application area can be determined. In this study, a FCE system is modelled using MATLAB/Simulink®. The FCE system consists of a buck DC-DC converter and a proportional integral (PI) based controller incorporating an electrochemical model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The PEMFC model is used to generate reference voltage of the controller which takes the load current as a requirement. The characteristics are compared with Ballard Mark V 5kW PEMFC stack specifications obtained from the datasheet. The results show that the FCE system is a suitable replacement of real PEMFC stack and can be used for research and development purpose.

Plug Power ships first ProGen engines to FedEx, powers USPS

US-based Plug Power has shipped the first production ProGen fuel cell engines for use in electric delivery vehicles, which will be used as range-extenders in FedEx Freight electric delivery vans in the Greater Los Angeles area. Plug Power has also completed a contract with the United States Postal Service, deploying GenDrive hydrogen fuel cell units in the USPS materials handling fleet.

Bioelectricity generation from brewery wastewater in a microbial fuel cell using chitosan/biodegradable copolymer membrane

Wastewater treatment with bioelectrical generation is an attractive feature with microbial fuel cells. The chitosan/biodegradable copolymer proton exchange membrane was used to assess its performance with brewery wastewater in a dual chambered microbial fuel cell. The biodegradable copolymer was made by thermal condensation of malic acid and citric acid in 3:1 ratio and then blended with chitosan to form a membrane via solution casting and solvent evaporation techniques. The performance of the chitosan/biodegradable copolymer membrane was evaluated in bioelectricity production with brewery effluent as an anolyte in a carbon electrode microbial fuel cell. Additionally, the competence of the prepared blend proton exchange membrane is compared with the commercial Nafion 117 membrane and Agar salt bridge in separate microbial fuel cell units with the same effluent and electrodes. At neutral pH, the effect of adding metabolites such as glucose and acetate to the anolyte was also investigated. The maximum current density and power density generated with chitosan/biodegradable copolymer membrane was 111.94 mA m−2 and 3022.39 mW m−2, respectively, whereas the Nafion 117 membrane had a maximum current density of 120.23 mA m−2 and power density of 3486.73 mW m−2.

Plug Power adds new GenKey customer with Young's in Arizona

US-based Plug Power has added Young's Market Company as a new premier GenKey customer, with its hydrogen and fuel cell solutions now powering the industrial vehicles at Young's newly constructed distribution centre in Phoenix, Arizona. Plug Power has also announced that it deployed a record 4010 GenDrive hydrogen PEM fuel cell units during 2016.

Modeling and techno-economic analysis of the integration of a FC-based micro-CHP system for residential application with a heat pump

This work aims to analyse the techno-economic performance of an integrated system for a residential CHP (Combined Heat and Power) application, based on the integration of a Fuel Cell (FC) micro-cogeneration device coupled with an Heat Pump (HP).The main components of the system are: the Fuel Cell unit, the Heat Pump and the thermal storage – required to cover the thermal peaks, mainly due to the domestic hot water demand. The analysis will be focused on the most diffused FC technologies for residential applications: a low temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and a high temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC).FC-based cogeneration systems usually produce an electric power surplus respect to the thermal production, because of their high electrical efficiency. Currently, however, the households heating load exceeds significantly the electricity requirements, thus making difficult the sizing of a FC system for a single family house without including large electrical and thermal storages or high grid/boiler integration. The combination of a Fuel Cell and an Heat Pump has been found to be an optimal solution to manage this problematic while achieving a reduction in the primary energy consumption and avoiding energy overproduction.In the proposed scenario the heat is exploited by feeding both the domestic hot water and a low-temperature radiant floor heating system operating between 35 °C and 45 °C.An energy and economic analysis has been performed to understand and to evaluate the plant feasibility.Results have pointed out that the best economic choice, with the current energy tariff scenario, is related to a small size FC-based CHP system able to produce enough electrical power to feed the HP plus a low electrical consumption (<1 kW electrical size), which corresponds to the base electrical household consumption (the electrical power which is near-always requested by the house). The electrical load is in fact deeply changing during the day (with one-minute variable peaks) and with a higher electrical production from the FC, most of the electrical power would be sold to the grid without no energy advantages.The best PEMFC configuration was able to reach a total efficiency of 75%: if compared to the case with separated energy generation (electricity from the grid and heat from a boiler) the saving is estimated in three years of payback for the current scenario (2015).With the SOFC system, thanks to its higher total efficiency equal to 81%, the primary energy consumption was reduced (−30% respect to PEMFC) with a consequent reduction in the operating costs. However, from an economic point of view, the payback still results extended because of its not competitive investment cost.

Plug Power opens new state-of-the-art service centre in Ohio

US-based Plug Power has inaugurated its new service centre in Dayton, Ohio, which it says is the first hydrogen fuel cell centre in the Midwest region. The Dayton service centre is responsible for parts and maintenance for GenDrive fuel cell units in the Midwest, and GenFuel stations across the US.

Effect of fuel cell units in economic and environmental dispatch of a Microgrid with penetration of photovoltaic and micro turbine units

Recently, Distributed Generation Technologies have gained more attention because of the steady decrease of fossil fuel use and increased load demand. In addition, Microgrid technologies are used to integrate such sources into the main network by drastically improving the utilization of energy via local production and load control. Consequently, improved quality and reliability is achieved. Most studies of such networks focus on operational and investment costs, however neglect the environmental impact. Based on these two criteria, an optimization model is established, in order to determine the viability and the environmental contribution of Microgrid. This model includes high penetration of Fuel Cell units and Renewable Energy Sources. In order to accomplice this, the Harmony Search algorithm was used in order to perform hourly optimizations on a Low Voltage Microgrid.