scholarly journals Kilowatt-Scale Fuel Cell Systems Powered by Recycled Aluminum

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Godart ◽  
Jason Fischman ◽  
Douglas Hart
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power System ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell Systems ◽  
Scrap Aluminum ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Abstract Presented here is a novel system that uses an aluminum-based fuel to continuously produce electrical power at the kilowatt scale via a hydrogen fuel cell. This fuel has an energy density of 23.3 kW h/L and can be produced from abundant scrap aluminum via a minimal surface treatment of gallium and indium. These additional metals, which in total comprise 2.5% of the fuel’s mass, permeate the grain boundary network of the aluminum to disrupt its oxide layer, thereby enabling the fuel to react exothermically with water to produce hydrogen gas and aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH), an inert and valuable byproduct. To generate electrical power using this fuel, the aluminum–water reaction is controlled via water input to a reaction vessel in order to produce a constant flow of hydrogen, which is then consumed in a fuel cell to produce electricity. As validation of this power system architecture, we present the design and implementation of two proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems that successfully demonstrate this approach. The first is a 3 kW emergency power supply, and the second is a 10 kW power system integrated into a BMW i3 electric vehicle.

scholarly journals Proton Exchange Membrane Hydrogen Fuel Cell as the Grid Connected Power Generator

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 6679
Author(s):  
Koushik Ahmed ◽  
Omar Farrok ◽  
Md Mominur Rahman ◽  
Md Sawkat Ali ◽  
Md Mejbaul Haque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Supply ◽  
Air Supply ◽  
Electrical Generator ◽  
Exchange Membrane

In this paper, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is implemented as a grid-connected electrical generator that uses hydrogen gas as fuel and air as an oxidant to produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. Analysis demonstrated that the performance of the PEMFC greatly depends on the rate of fuel supply and air supply pressure. Critical fuel and air supply pressures of the PEMFC are analysed to test its feasibility for the grid connection. Air and fuel supply pressures are varied to observe the effects on the PEMFC characteristics, efficiency, fuel supply, and air consumption over time. The PEMFC model is then implemented into an electrical power system with the aid of power electronics applications. Detailed mathematical modelling of the PEMFC is discussed with justification. The PEMFC functions as an electrical generator that is connected to the local grid through a power converter and a transformer. Modulation of the converter is controlled by means of a proportional-integral controller. The two-axis control methodology is applied to the current control of the system. The output voltage waveform and control actions of the controller on the current and frequency of the proposed system are plotted as well. Simulation results show that the PEMFC performs efficiently under certain air and fuel pressures, and it can effectively supply electrical power to the grid.

scholarly journals High-Power Fuel Cell Systems Fueled by Recycled Aluminum

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Godart ◽  
Jason Fischman ◽  
Douglas Hart
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Power System ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Reaction Vessel ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Constant Flow ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel Cell ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel ◽  
Emergency Power ◽  
Scrap Aluminum

Abstract Presented here is a novel system that uses an aluminum-based fuel to continuously produce electrical power at the kW scale via a hydrogen fuel cell. This fuel has an energy density of 23.3 kWh/L and can be produced from abundant scrap aluminum via a minimal surface treatment of gallium and indium. These additional metals, which in total comprise 2.5% of the fuel’s mass, permeate the grain boundary network of the aluminum and disrupt its oxide layer, thereby enabling the fuel to react exothermically with water to produce hydrogen gas and aluminum oxyhydroxide, an inert and valuable byproduct. To generate electrical power using this fuel, the aluminum-water reaction is controlled via water input to a reaction vessel in order to produce a constant flow of hydrogen, which is then consumed in a fuel cell to produce electricity. As validation of this power system architecture, we present the design and implementation of two example systems that successfully demonstrate this approach. The first is a 3 kW emergency power supply and the second is a 10 kW power system integrated into a BWM i3 electric vehicle.

Numerical investigations of assisted heating cold start strategies for proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems

Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 222 ◽  
pp. 119910
Author(s):  
Zirong Yang ◽  
Kui Jiao ◽  
Kangcheng Wu ◽  
Weilong Shi ◽  
Shangfeng Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cold Start ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cell Systems ◽  
Numerical Investigations ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Residential Experience with Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for Combined Heat and Power

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darrell D. Massie ◽  
Daisie D. Boettner ◽  
Cheryl A. Massie
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Heat Recovery ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Cell Systems ◽  
Exchange Membrane

As part of a one-year Department of Defense demonstration project, proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems have been installed at three residences to provide electrical power and waste heat for domestic hot water and space heating. The 5kW capacity fuel cells operate on reformed natural gas. These systems operate at preset levels providing power to the residence and to the utility grid. During grid outages, the residential power source is disconnected from the grid and the fuel cell system operates in standby mode to provide power to critical loads in the residence. This paper describes lessons learned from installation and operation of these fuel cell systems in existing residences. Issues associated with installation of a fuel cell system for combined heat and power focus primarily on fuel cell siting, plumbing external to the fuel cell unit required to support heat recovery, and line connections between the fuel cell unit and the home interior for natural gas, water, electricity, and communications. Operational considerations of the fuel cell system are linked to heat recovery system design and conditions required for adequate flow of natural gas, air, water, and system communications. Based on actual experience with these systems in a residential setting, proper system design, component installation, and sustainment of required flows are essential for the fuel cell system to provide reliable power and waste heat.

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