Utilization Of Fuel Cells Research Articles

Parameter characterization of PEM fuel cell mathematical models using an orthogonal learning-based GOOSE algorithm

In this paper, a new method is designed to effectively determine the parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), i.e., ξ1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\xi }_{1}$$\\end{document}, ξ2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\xi }_{2}$$\\end{document}, ξ3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\xi }_{3}$$\\end{document}, ξ4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\xi }_{4}$$\\end{document}, RC\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${R}_{\ ext{C}}$$\\end{document}, λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\lambda$$\\end{document}, and b\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$b$$\\end{document}. The fuel cells (FCs) involve multiple variable quantities with complex non-linear behaviours, demanding accurate modelling to ensure optimal operation. An accurate model of these FCs is essential to evaluate their performance accurately. Furthermore, the design of the FCs significantly impacts simulation studies, which are crucial for various technological applications. This study proposed an improved parameter estimation procedure for PEMFCs by using the GOOSE algorithm, which was inspired by the adaptive behaviours found in geese during their relaxing and foraging times. The orthogonal learning mechanism improves the performance of the original GOOSE algorithm. This FC model uses the root mean squared error as the objective function for optimizing the unknown parameters. In order to validate the proposed algorithm, a number of experiments using various datasets were conducted and compared the outcomes with different state-of-the-art algorithms. The outcomes indicate that the proposed GOOSE algorithm not only produced promising results but also exhibited superior performance in comparison to other similar algorithms. This approach demonstrates the ability of the GOOSE algorithm to simulate complex systems and enhances the robustness and adaptability of the simulation tool by integrating essential behaviours into the computational framework. The proposed strategy facilitates the development of more accurate and effective advancements in the utilization of FCs.

Examining Invasion‐Percolation Across the Cathode Layered Assembly in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Oxygen Resistance, Wettability and Cracks

AbstractEfficient evacuation of water generated by oxygen reduction reaction is necessary to increase catalyst utilization in polymer electrolyte membrane Fuel Cells. However, analysis of two‐phase transport is challenged by the wide range of pore sizes present in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), varying from 10–100 nm in the catalyst layer (CL), 10–1000 nm in the microporous layer (MPL) and 10 μm in the gas diffusion layer (GDL). In this work, a novel multiscale invasion‐percolation model accounting for the cathode CL, MPL and GDL is presented. Saturation in the macroporous GDL is modeled through an all‐or‐nothing invasion law (empty/filled), while a macroscopic description in terms of the capillary pressure curve is adopted for the MPL and the CL. The oxygen transport resistance across the cathode MEA is quantified using the computed saturation distributions. Among other conclusions, the results show that MPL addition is crucial to avoid local flooding at the CL/GDL interface, providing localized access points to the GDL rather than massively invading interfacial macropores. However, excessive MPL hydrophobicity can cause CL flooding. Water removal from the CL can be enhanced by using a more hydrophilic MPL, a hydrophobic CL or the addition of a moderate volume fraction of cracks. Oxygen transport can be further improved by modulating the arrangement of water in the GDL with patterned wettability, provided that the number of MPL cracks is low.

Effect of Crosslinking Conditions on the Transport of Protons and Methanol in Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol Membranes Containing the Phosphoric Acid Group.

In this investigation, we systematically explored the intricate relationship between the structural attributes of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes and their multifaceted properties relevant to fuel cell applications, encompassing diverse crosslinking conditions. Employing the solution casting technique, we fabricated crosslinked PVA membranes by utilizing phosphoric acid (PA) as the crosslinking agent, modulating the crosslinking temperature across a range of values. This comprehensive approach aimed to optimize the selection of crosslinking parameters for the advancement of crosslinked polymer materials tailored for fuel cell contexts. A series of meticulously tailored crosslinked PVA membranes were synthesized, each varying in PBTCA content (5-30 wt.%) to establish a systematic framework for elucidating chemical interactions, morphological transformations, and physicochemical attributes pertinent to fuel cell utilization. The manipulation of crosslinking agent concentration and crosslinking temperature engendered a discernible impact on the crosslinking degree, leading to a concomitant reduction in crystallinity. Time-resolved attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was harnessed to evaluate the dynamics of liquid water adsorption and ionomer swelling kinetics within the array of fabricated PVA films. Notably, the diffusion of water within the PVA membranes adhered faithfully to Fick's law, with discernible sensitivity to the crosslinking conditions being implemented. Within the evaluated membranes, proton conductivities exhibited a span of between 10-3 and 10-2 S/cm, while methanol permeabilities ranged from 10-8 to 10-7 cm2/s. A remarkable revelation surfaced during the course of this study, as it became evident that the structural attributes and properties of the PVA films, under the influence of distinct crosslinking conditions, underwent coherent modifications. These changes were intrinsically linked to alterations in crosslinking degree and crystallinity, reinforcing the interdependence of these parameters in shaping the characteristics of PVA films intended for diverse fuel cell applications.

Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Stoichiometric Ratio on Fuel Utilization and Performance of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Stoichiometric Ratio on Fuel Utilization and Performance of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

An innovative biomass-driven multi-generation system equipped with PEM fuel cells/VCl cycle: Throughout assessment and optimal design via particle swarm algorithm

This work proposes a new, efficient, economically, and environmentally viable approach for developing cutting-edge energy systems and assisting the anticipated global green transition with maximal renewable integration. The cogeneration of hydrogen and power is driven by biomass, which in turn drives the vanadium chloride cycle and the proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A cooling absorption unit is powered by waste heat recovered using a passive energy improvement technique to improve performance and cut costs. Energy, exergy, exergo-economic, exergo-environmental impacts, and CO2 emission rate of the suggested renewable-based model are analyzed using an engineering equation solver tool. Parametric analysis is also used to assess the impact of key operational factors on main performance indicators. With machine learning, a particle swarm method is implemented in MATLAB to find the optimal operating state with high precision and low computing cost. The results show the importance of multi-objective optimization by pointing out a conflicting change in the performance metrics from different angles by picking up the biomass moisture content and fuel cell current density. According to the optimization results, an acceptable total cost, environmental damage effectiveness, and exergy efficiency of 5 $/h, 0.86, and 55% are achieved through the integration of particle swarm optimizer and artificial neural network method. The results further reveal that the gasification temperature is not sensitive; however, changing the fuel cell utilization factor significantly impacts the system's performance from all sides. Finally, the chord diagram of the irreversibility rate indicates that the fuel cell and gasifier have the highest destruction of 6.4 kW and 2.6 kW under the optimum condition, owing to mixing and chemical reactions. As for the environmental aspect, by optimizing the system, the system's CO2 emission are greatly reduced.

Numerical and experimental analysis of the effects of tar components on single planar SOFC under high fuel utilization

One of the main challenges and obstacles for the application of SOFCs with wood gas is the degradation of Nickel anode caused by heavier hydrocarbons from the gasification process. The unclear conversion process on the anode and the fluctuant content of tars in wood gas will cause problems like the excess of critical fuel cell utilization and thus the oxidation of Nickel anode. This work focuses on the experimental and numerical analysis of tar conversion on the single SOFC under different conditions. A three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for an electrolyte-supported single cell was developed using the commercial CFD code FLUENT. The conversion kinetics of tar is validated by experimental results and implemented into the model. With this model, local distributions of Nernst voltage across the anode area are demonstrated. Areas, where an oxidation of Nickel is to be feared, are identified. Both experimental and simulative results have proved the positive effect of toluene reforming on preventing Ni from re-oxidation.

Energy economy optimization and comprehensive performance improvement for PEMFC/LIB hybrid system based on hierarchical optimization

In order to improve the motion range of mobile welding robot, energy management strategy of fuel cell hybrid power system were studied, which involves energy economy optimization and comprehensive performance improvement. The energy management strategy adopts hierarchical optimization control. Inner layer realizes power distribution and energy optimization, using the maximum power point tracking control (MPPT) based on hybrid algorithm and an improved equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) to optimize the output power distribution. MPPT allows fuel cell to output maximum power stably and maximize the fuel cell utilization. The improved ECMS optimizes the equivalence factor by fuzzy logic control to increase the calculation accuracy. This strategy improves the economy of system energy consumption. The outer layer uses state machine control to switch the control strategy according to the operating state of the system. When the SOC of the battery is lower than the set threshold, MPPT control is used. And when the SOC is higher than the set threshold, ECMS is used. Experimental results show that the rationality of PEMFC output power and battery charge-discharge has been improved, and the economy of hybrid power system has also been improved.

Nanostructured Graphene Utilization in Microbial Fuel Cells for Green Energy and Wastewater Treatment: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

Since the early beginning, attention has been paid to the prospective application of two-dimensional (2D) graphene (Gr) nanomaterial applications due to its exceptional conductivity, huge surface area, and high mechanical strength. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one of these vital potential applications. The restricted energy production of MFCs compared with other fuel cell technologies and expensive materials are the two major hindrances in its practical application. Gr is proposed for use in the MFC assembly to overcome such challenges either as an electrode or membrane material to increase the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiently. The synthesis procedure for Gr-based electrodes and membranes is complex, expensive, and energy-inefficient and contains harmful chemicals for a scaled-up application. Therefore, there is a further need for focused research into the design and synthesis of Gr-based electrodes and membrane materials. However, regardless of these challenges, Gr-based electrodes are a favorable alternative in MFCs’ assembly to attain sustainable wastewater treatment and electricity production. Considering these facts, the objective of this critical review is to assess the latest developments in the Gr applications in MFCs, aiming at Gr background, including properties, Gr synthesis, wastewater treatment, and power generation, which will help to understand the perception of Gr in MFC operation.

Piecewise temperature dependent electrical equivalent modeling of PEM fuel cell for power conditioning unit design using fuzzy clustering and hybrid optimization

ABSTRACT Effective utilization of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for power electronic applications demands a reliable model with accurate parameter estimation. Existing approaches for modeling the PEMFC using terminal characteristics are based on the assumption of uniform temperature throughout the fuel cell operation. However, stack temperature varies widely for different operating conditions. In this regard, the present work proposes a temperature dependent piecewise modeling approach by dividing the operating range into a set of piecewise regions with different model parameter characterizing each region. To achieve the same, the piecewise regions have been distributed using a fuzzy clustering approach by maintaining a compromise between precise representation of experimental data and reduced model complexity. The parameter estimation for each region is carried out using a novel hybrid optimization approach. The model can quantify the dependence of model parameters on temperature variation. With the temperature-dependent piecewise representation, the proposed model significantly outperforms the conventional uniform temperature model in representing the experimental data by achieving a fitting accuracy of 97.9% at 311 K and 99.8% at 319 K, respectively.

HYDRIDE4MOBILITY: An EU HORIZON 2020 project on hydrogen powered fuel cell utility vehicles using metal hydrides in hydrogen storage and refuelling systems

The goal of the EU Horizon 2020 RISE project 778307 “Hydrogen fuelled utility vehicles and their support systems utilising metal hydrides” (HYDRIDE4MOBILITY), is in addressing critical issues towards a commercial implementation of hydrogen powered forklifts using metal hydride (MH) based hydrogen storage and PEM fuel cells, together with the systems for their refuelling at industrial customers facilities. For these applications, high specific weight of the metallic hydrides has an added value, as it allows counterbalancing of a vehicle with no extra cost. Improving the rates of H2 charge/discharge in MH on the materials and system level, simplification of the design and reducing the system cost, together with improvement of the efficiency of system “MH store-FC”, is in the focus of this work as a joint effort of consortium uniting academic teams and industrial partners from two EU and associated countries Member States (Norway, Germany, Croatia), and two partner countries (South Africa and Indonesia).The work within the project is focused on the validation of various efficient and cost-competitive solutions including (i) advanced MH materials for hydrogen storage and compression, (ii) advanced MH containers characterised by improved charge-discharge dynamic performance and ability to be mass produced, (iii) integrated hydrogen storage and compression/refuelling systems which are developed and tested together with PEM fuel cells during the collaborative efforts of the consortium.This article gives an overview of HYDRIDE4MOBILITY project focused on the results generated during its first phase (2017–2019).

Effect of Polymer Wrapping of Carbon Black for Pt Utilization of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

To reduce the usage of platinum (Pt) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrocatalyst, it is crucial to increase Pt utilization efficiency. In this study, an effect of polybenzimidazole (PBI) wrapping on carbon blacks (CBs) for the improvement of Pt utilization efficiency in PEMFC is investigated using CBs having high surface area (HSA) and low surface area (LSA) as well as structure-efficiency relationship is explored. Comparison study of single-cell measurements using PBI-coated and non-coated HSA and LSA electrocatalysts reveals that HSA CB is more effective to improve Pt utilization efficiency and about 33% improvement of the power density is achieved, while LSA CB marks 10% improvement under 80 °C at 100% relative humidity. The mechanism behind the greater improvement especially for HSA CB is mainly because of micropore capping by PBI wrapping, which increases the electrochemical active surface area as well as the proton conductivity and O2 diffusion. On the other hand, even though the degree of improvement is lower for LSA CB, the increase of Pt utilization efficiency is realized mainly due to the loading of uniformly dispersed smaller Pt.

Options for Natural Gas and Methane Including Fuel Cell Utilization in a Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

The aim of this paper is to analyze in how far a consistent strategy can be developed using methane along the path from existing fossil fuel supply towards a sustainable energy supply infrastracture including fuel cells. This is the first of a three part analysis of the options for natual gas and methaner and the fuel cell technology as part of a closed cycle infrastructure. The transport sector is an important energy consumer and the impact of a methane infrastructure and the ongoing fuel cell development will be analyzed in a following paper. The impact of the population development and its challenges for such a roadmap will described in a third paper.

Metal hydride hydrogen storage tank for fuel cell utility vehicles

The “low-temperature” intermetallic hydrides with hydrogen storage capacities below 2 wt% can provide compact H2 storage simultaneously serving as a ballast. Thus, their low weight capacity, which is usually considered as a major disadvantage to their use in vehicular H2 storage applications, is an advantage for the heavy duty utility vehicles. Here, we present new engineering solutions of a MH hydrogen storage tank for fuel cell utility vehicles which combines compactness, adjustable high weight, as well as good dynamics of hydrogen charge/discharge. The tank is an assembly of several MH cassettes each comprising several MH containers made of stainless steel tube with embedded (pressed-in) perforated copper fins and filled with a powder of a composite MH material which contains AB2- and AB5-type hydride forming alloys and expanded natural graphite. The assembly of the MH containers staggered together with heating/cooling tubes in the cassette is encased in molten lead followed by the solidification of the latter. The tank can provide >2 h long H2 supply to the fuel cell stack operated at 11 kWe (H2 flow rate of 120 NL/min). The refuelling time of the MH tank (T = 15–20 °C, P(H2) = 100–150 bar) is about 15–20 min.

A New Model for Constant Fuel Utilization and Constant Fuel Flow in Fuel Cells

This paper presents a new model of fuel cells for two different modes of operation: constant fuel utilization control (constant stoichiometry condition) and constant fuel flow control (constant flow rate condition). The model solves the long-standing problem of mixing reversible and irreversible potentials (equilibrium and non-equilibrium states) in the Nernst voltage expression. Specifically, a Nernstian gain term is introduced for the constant fuel utilization condition, and it is shown that the Nernstian gain is an irreversibility in the computation of the output voltage of the fuel cell. A Nernstian loss term accounts for an irreversibility for the constant fuel flow operation. Simulation results are presented. The model has been validated against experimental data from the literature.

Infiltration of Lanthanum Doped Ceria into Nickel-Zirconia Anodes for Direct Butane Utilization in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Ni-Gd doped ceria (Ni-GDC) anodes exhibit high durability during direct butane utilization in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, the cells containing Ni-GDC anodes showed less performance compared to those containing conventional Ni-Y stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) anodes, when zirconia-ceria solid solution formed at the interface between the YSZ electrolyte and Ni-GDC anode during co-sintering at high temperature in anode-supported SOFCs. The formation of the solid solution increases electrochemical impedance at low frequencies due to oxygen nonstoichiometric variation process. To prevent the formation of this solution, La doped ceria (LDC) was infiltrated into the Ni-YSZ anode after sintering. The maximum power density of the cell containing Ni-YSZ anode with LDC infiltration (Ni-YSZ+LDC) was higher than those containing Ni-YSZ and Ni-GDC anodes. Distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis revealed that the polarization resistance of fuel oxidation process decreased, and the oxygen nonstoichiometric variation process was not observed after LDC infiltration. Power was continuously generated over 100 h using butane fuel for the Ni-YSZ+LDC. No carbon deposition was observed after the durability test, because the LDC nanoparticles enhanced the catalytic activity toward carbon oxidation. The LDC infiltration is an method to obtain the comparability of performance and durability for direct butane utilization.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Energy Efficiency and Fuel Utilization in Protonic-Ceramic Fuel Cells with Planar Co-Flow Configurations

Protonic-ceramic fuel cells (PCFC) are typically based on doped-perovskite electrolyte membranes that have mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) properties, compared to single-ion-conducting membranes that are typical in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) technology. The PCFCs offer some significant advantages compared to more traditional SOFC. This paper develops a thermodynamic model that predicts maximum possible fuel-cell efficiency and fuel utilization as functions of fuel composition and operating conditions, and makes direct comparisons between theoretically predicted PCFC and SOFC performance. Because the product H2O is formed on the cathode side in PCFC, the maximum possible efficiency is greater in PCFC than it is in SOFC where H2O is formed on the anode side. In practice, the actual realized operating efficiency depends on factors that are not considered in the present analysis. Nevertheless, it is valuable to understand the thermodynamically limited maximum possible performance.

GenCell G5rx backup power unit approved for use in seismic zones

Israel-based GenCell reports that its GenCell G5rx alkaline fuel cell utility backup power solution has been tested and found compliant with the IEEE 693 seismic equipment standard for use at electrical substations. The company says that the G5rx is the first fuel cell backup power solution to have received safety compliance for deployment at utilities and other customers in active seismic zones.

自然エネルギー・燃料電池活用型住宅用複合システムの研究 : 第2報-電力・給湯システムの運転実績と最適導入容量の評価

自然エネルギー・燃料電池活用型住宅用複合システムの研究 : 第2報-電力・給湯システムの運転実績と最適導入容量の評価

自然エネルギー・燃料電池活用型住宅用複合システムの研究 : 第1報-固体高分子形燃料電池試験機の発電・排熱回収特性

自然エネルギー・燃料電池活用型住宅用複合システムの研究 : 第1報-固体高分子形燃料電池試験機の発電・排熱回収特性

Addressing fuel recycling in solid oxide fuel cell systems fed by alternative fuels

An innovative study on anode recirculation in solid oxide fuel cell systems with alternative fuels is carried out and investigated. Alternative fuels under study are ammonia, pure hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, DME and biogas from biomass gasification. It is shown that the amount of anode off-fuel recirculation depends strongly on type of the fuel used in the system. Anode recycling combined with fuel cell utilization factors have an important impact on plant efficiency, which will be analysed here. The current study may provide an in-depth understanding of reasons for using anode off-fuel recycling and its effect on plant efficiency. For example, it is founded that anode recirculation is not needed when the plant is fed by ammonia. Further, it is founded that when the system is fed by pure hydrogen then anode recirculation should be about 20% of the off-fuel if fuel cell utilization factor is 80%. Furthermore, it is founded that for the case with methanol, ethanol and DME then at high utilization factors, low anode recirculation is recommended while at low utilization factors, high anode recirculation is recommended. If the plant is fed by biogas from biomass gasification then for each utilization factor, there exist an optimum anode recirculation at which plant efficiency maximizes.