Hybridization Scheme for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell/Supercapacitor System

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco A. Rodríguez ◽  
Alok Rastogi ◽  
Victor Skormin
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Genetic Optimization ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
High Power Output ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
System Operating

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells suffer noticeable power loss when operated at high power output. This paper proposes a hybridization scheme for a PEM fuel cell/supercapacitor system operating in three different regimes: “Flat,” “Uphill,” and “Downhill.” Transitions among operational regimes are governed by logical statements, which compare operational parameters against threshold values. These threshold values were obtained using a genetic optimization (GO) algorithm. The hybridization problem is analyzed in a simulation environment before the solution is implemented in an actual laboratory prototype. Results and discussion are presented to demonstrate the soundness of the proposed solution. The approach presented in this paper is suitable for applications where sudden changes in power demand occur.

A New High Voltage Impedance Spectrometer for the Diagnostics of Fuel Cell Stacks

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien Wasterlain ◽  
Fabien Harel ◽  
Denis Candusso ◽  
Daniel Hissel ◽  
Xavier François
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cell Behavior ◽  
Polarization Current ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Galvanostatic Mode ◽  
Validation Tests ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
Synchronous Measurement

This paper presents a novel architecture of an impedance spectrometer dedicated to the characterization and diagnostics of large fuel cell stacks operated in galvanostatic mode. The validation tests are first performed on a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Then, experiments are carried out on a 20-cell PEMFC stack delivering more significant power levels. The proposed impedancemeter allows spectrum measurements on cells located in the middle of the stack, where common mode potentials are usually too high for commercial devices. Moreover, the impedances of different individual cells in the stack are acquired with a synchronous measurement reference (global stack impedance). This capability allows distinguishing any singular cell behavior or drift effect of operational parameters (e.g., stack temperature and polarization current).

Progress on Reflective Terahertz Imaging for Identification of Water in Flow Channels of PEM Fuel Cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 110-116 ◽  
pp. 2301-2307
Author(s):  
P. Buaphad ◽  
P. Thamboon ◽  
C. Tengsirivattana ◽  
J. Saisut ◽  
K. Kusoljariyakul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Thz Radiation ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Flow Channels ◽  
Exchange Membrane

This work reports an application of reflective terahertz (THz) imaging for identification of water distribution in the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The THz radiation generated from relativistic femtosecond electron bunches is employed as a high intensity source. The PEM fuel cell is designed specifically for the measurement allowing THz radiation to access the flow field region. The THz image is constructed from reflected radiation revealing absorptive area of water presence. The technique is proved to be a promising tool for studying water management in the PEM fuel cell. Detailed experimental setup and results will be described.

Component Failure Analysis From the U.S. Army ERDC-CERL Residential Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Demonstration

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott A. Kenner ◽  
Nicholas M. Josefik ◽  
Scott M. Lux ◽  
James L. Knight ◽  
Melissa K. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell Stack ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
The U.S

Background: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) continues to manage The Department of Defense (DoD) Residential Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Demonstration Project. This project was funded by the United States Congress for fiscal years 2001 through 2004. A fleet of 91 residential-scale PEM fuel cells, ranging in size from 1 to 5 kW, has been demonstrated at various U.S. DoD facilities around the world. Approach: The performance of the fuel cells has been monitored over a 12-month field demonstration period. A detailed analysis has been performed cataloging the component failures, investigating the mean time of the failures, and the mean time between failures. A discussion of the lifespan and failure modes of selected fuel cell components, based on component type, age, and usage will be provided. This analysis also addresses fuel cell stack life for both primary and back-up power systems. Several fuels were used throughout the demonstration, including natural gas, propane, and hydrogen. A distinction will be made on any variances in performance based on the input fuel stock. Summary: This analysis will provide an overview of the ERDC-CERL PEM demonstration fuel cell applications and the corresponding data from the field demonstrations. Special emphasis will be placed on the components, fuel cell stack life, and input fuel characteristics of the systems demonstrated.

Alloys that form conductive and passivating oxides for proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plates

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1723-1729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Aukland ◽  
Abdellah Boudina ◽  
David S. Eddy ◽  
Joseph V. Mantese ◽  
Margarita P. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Oxide Films ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Bipolar Plates ◽  
Concentrated Solutions ◽  
Exchange Membrane

During the operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, a high-resistance oxide is often formed on the cathode surface of base metal bipolar plates. Over time, this corrosion mechanism leads to a drop in fuel cell efficiency and potentially to complete failure. To address this problem, we have developed alloys capable of forming oxides that are both conductive and chemically stable under PEM fuel cell operating conditions. Five alloys of titanium with tantalum or niobium were investigated. The oxides were formed on the alloys by cyclic voltammetry in solutions mimicking the cathode- and anode-side environment of a PEM fuel cell. The oxides of all tested alloys had lower surface resistance than the oxide of pure titanium. We also investigated the chemical durability of Ti–Nb and Ti–Ta alloys in more concentrated solutions beyond those typically found in PEM fuel cells. The oxide films formed on Ti–Nb and Ti–Ta alloys remained conductive and chemically stable in these concentrated solutions. The stability of the oxide films was evaluated; Ti alloys having 3% Ta and Nb were identified as potential candidates for bipolar plate materials.

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Performance of an Irreversible PEMFC

2018 ◽  
Vol 388 ◽  
pp. 350-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Jie Li ◽  
Ye Liu ◽  
Zhe Shu Ma
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Operating Pressure ◽  
Controllable Factors ◽  
Temperature Operating ◽  
Exchange Membrane

An irreversible model of proton exchange membrane fuel cells working at steady-state is established, in which the irreversibility resulting from overpotentials, internal currents and leakage currents are taken into account．In this paper, the irreversibility of fuel cell is expounded mainly from electrochemistry. The general performance characteristic curves are generated including output voltage, output power and output efficiency. In addition, the irreversibility of a class of PEMFC is studied by changing the operating conditions (controllable factors) of the fuel cell, including effect of operating temperature, operating pressure and leakage current. The results provide a theoretical basis for both the operation and optimal design of real PEM fuel cells．

The Effect of Mechanical Fatigue on the Lifetimes of Membrane Electrode Assemblies

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Pestrak ◽  
Yongqiang Li ◽  
Scott W. Case ◽  
David A. Dillard ◽  
Michael W. Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Bubble Point ◽  
Mechanical Durability ◽  
Technological Barriers ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Long-term durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells is one of the major technological barriers to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. The cracks in the electrode layers of the MEA, referred to as mud-cracks, are potential contributors to the failure in the PEM. To investigate how these mud-cracks affect the mechanical durability of the MEA, pressure-loaded blister tests are performed at 90°C to determine the biaxial fatigue strength of Gore-Primea® series 57 MEA. In these volume-controlled tests, leaking rate is determined as a function of fatigue cycles. The failure is defined to occur when the leaking rate exceeds a specified threshold. Postmortem characterization using bubble point testing and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was conducted to provide visual documentation of leaking failure sites. The analysis of the experimental leaking data indicates that the MEA has much shorter lifetimes at the same nominal stress levels than membrane samples without the electrode layers. FESEM photomicrographs of leaking locations identified via the bubble point testing show cracks in the membrane that are concentrated within the mud-cracks of the electrode layer. These two pieces of information indicate that the mud-cracks within the electrode layers contribute to the leaking failures of the MEA assembly. For the fuel cell industry, this study suggests there is an opportunity to reduce the likelihood of membrane pinhole failures by reducing the size and occurrence of the mud-cracks formed during the MEA processing or by increasing the fatigue resistance (including the notch sensitivity) of the membrane material within the MEA.

MODELING OF PEM FUEL CELLS WITH FINITE-THICKNESS CATALYSTS

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 537-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
JIANG HUI YIN ◽  
JUN CAO
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Finite Thickness ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Exchange Membrane

A general proton exchange membrane fuel cell model including two finite-thickness catalysts is developed in this study, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the effects of the two key electrochemical reactions taking place in the two catalysts. The model is used to predict the performances of fuel cells employing two different flow channel designs, providing insights for fuel cell design and performance optimization.

Design and Experimental Characterization of a High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Radu ◽  
Nicola Zuliani ◽  
Rodolfo Taccani
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Pure Hydrogen ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymers and phosphoric acid can be operated at temperature between 120 °C and 180 °C. Reactant humidification is not required and CO content up to 1% in the fuel can be tolerated, only marginally affecting performance. This is what makes high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cells very attractive, as low quality reformed hydrogen can be used and water management problems are avoided. From an experimental point of view, the major research effort up to now was dedicated to the development and study of high-temperature membranes, especially to development of acid-doped PBI type membranes. Some studies were dedicated to the experimental analysis of single cells and only very few to the development and characterization of high-temperature stacks. This work aims to provide more experimental data regarding high-temperature fuel cell stacks, operated with hydrogen but also with different types of reformates. The main design features and the performance curves obtained with a three-cell air-cooled stack are presented. The stack was tested on a broad temperature range, between 120 and 180 °C, with pure hydrogen and gas mixtures containing up to 2% of CO, simulating the output of a typical methanol reformer. With pure hydrogen, at 180 °C, the considered stack is able to deliver electrical power of 31 W at 1.8 V. With a mixture containing 2% of carbon monoxide, in the same conditions, the performance drops to 24 W. The tests demonstrated that the performance loss caused by operation with reformates, can be partially compensated by a higher stack temperature.

A New High Voltage Impedance Spectrometer for the Diagnostic of Fuel Cell Stacks

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se´bastien Wasterlain ◽  
Fabien Harel ◽  
Denis Candusso ◽  
Daniel Hissel ◽  
Xavier Franc¸ois
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cell Behavior ◽  
Polarization Current ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Galvanostatic Mode ◽  
Validation Tests ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
Synchronous Measurement

This paper presents a novel architecture of an impedance spectrometer dedicated to the characterization and diagnostic of large Fuel Cell (FC) stacks operated in galvanostatic mode. The validation tests are first performed on a single Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Then, experiments are carried out on a twenty-cell PEMFC stack delivering more significant power levels. The proposed impedancemeter allows spectrum measurements on cells located in the middle of the stack, where common mode potentials are usually too high for commercial devices. Moreover, the impedances of different individual cells in the stack are acquired with a synchronous measurement reference (global stack impedance). This capability allows distinguishing any singular cell behavior or drift effect of operational parameters (e.g. stack temperature and polarization current).

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