Comparative Analysis of Fuel Cell and Photovoltaic Panels as Electrical Sources for RO Desalination Domestic Scale Systems

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Abdel-Rehim ◽  
Bahy S. A. Abdel-Mesih ◽  
Jamal E. Alostaz
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Photovoltaic Effect ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
System A ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Domestic Use ◽  
Sustainable Societies ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
The Cost

Fuel cells and photovoltaic cells are two promising technologies for green sustainable societies. Both are technologies that are capable of producing electricity but with different techniques. A solar cell converts light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. On the other hand, a fuel cell converts the chemical energy from the reaction between oxygen and a fuel into electricity and water. The fuel used is hydrogen which can be produced using solar energy. Both devices have different working principles, operation requirements, and efficiencies. However, they share the end goal of producing electricity from a non-fossil clean energy source. The main objective of this work is to investigate whether fuel cells or solar cells are more feasible for domestic use by considering the available technologies and information. The comparison is based on the electricity produced by the two technologies provided the same input of energy from the sun. The research focuses on the electrical output, their efficiencies, and the cost of purchasing, operation, and thus the cost of energy produced from the whole system. A desalination domestic scale system based on Reverse Osmosis (RO) technique was proposed as an application to consume this energy.

Reliable Performance Evaluation of Single Cells Through an Effective Experimental Test Rig and Measure Chain

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Lunghi ◽  
Gianni Bidini
Keyword(s):  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Utilization Factor ◽  
Input Parameters

Fuel cells are known to be efficient and environmental friendly electricity generation devices. Great expectations are put on their contribution for future ultra-clean energy production. Nevertheless, the requests from deregulated energy market prompt fast commercialization of systems that are not yet fully optimized. Low efficiencies of first generation commercial fuel cell plants could result in failure when satisfying end users’ requirements thus creating an obstacle for subsequent market penetration. In this context, the availability of reliable data on fuel cells, necessary for their correct integration in full energy systems for plant optimization and feasibility assessment constitutes a priority. On the other hand, while measuring fuel cells performance is a difficult task nevertheless within reach for most research departments; the challenge for the scientific community is to reliably assess performance dependence on all the most relevant input parameters. As a result, most of the experimental data find on literature on fuel cells performances refer to voltage measures at increasing currents for fixed gas compositions and flow rates. In this work an experimental facility has been set up, test rigs have been designed and constructed both for fuel cells and reforming section testing; the main aim was to allow great operational flexibility. Great attention has been paid on test procedures and on input parameterisation as well on reliable advanced control systems. Dependence on the most relevant input parameters, i.e. current density, operating temperature, fuel and oxidant utilization factor, fuel humidification and dilution has been deeply analysed. Performances have been analysed both in terms of output voltage and efficiency and in terms of time degradation and expected total lifetime. The contribution of the work done consist in defining adimensional parameters which, thanks to their direct relation with the theoretical equations which govern a fuel cell, can greatly improve performance evaluation capability of experimental tests. Moreover those parameters can represent a way to standardize test procedures and constitute a means for comparing and exchanging results in a easier and effective way. A second contribution consist in designing and developing a unique control system that can improve test reliability thanks to the feature that allows to change single parameters while keeping the others constant and greatly enhance the number of experimental points that can be obtained in a test.

scholarly journals Progress Towards Direct Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cells (DHPFCs) as an Energy Storage Concept

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciaran J. McDonnell-Worth ◽  
Douglas R. MacFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Electrochemical Methods ◽  
Environmentally Benign ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
H2o2 Production ◽  
Reversible System

This review introduces the concept of direct H2O2 fuel cells and discusses the merits of these systems in comparison with other ‘clean-energy’ fuels. Through electrochemical methods, H2O2 fuel can be generated from environmentally benign energy sources such as wind and solar. It also produces only water and oxygen when it is utilised in a direct H2O2 fuel cell, making it a fully reversible system. The electrochemical methods for H2O2 production are discussed here as well as the recent research aimed at increasing the efficiency and power of direct H2O2 fuel cells.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies for Sustainable Stationary Applications

2021 ◽  
pp. 166-185
Author(s):  
Raluca-Andreea Felseghi ◽  
Florin Badea
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel Cell ◽  
Hydrogen Fuel ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Cell Technologies ◽  
Main Components

Science has shown that there are two sustainable alternatives to providing energy needs: renewable energy resources and fuel cells-hydrogen-based energy, which will play a complementary role in securing global energy resources. By promoting the use of hydrogen-based energy technologies, as clean energy technologies for stationary applications, at the level of local communities, industrial and commercial communities, research topics in this field will help the practical development of sustainable and clean energy systems. This chapter provides an overview of fuel cells highlighting aspects related to fuel cell short history, the main components and operating principles of fuel cells, the main constructive fuel cell types, and the main ways of powering stationary applications through the hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Differential Resistance Analysis – a New Tool for Evaluation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Degradation

MRS Advances ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (64) ◽  
pp. 3991-4003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdravko B. Stoynov ◽  
Daria E. Vladikova ◽  
Blagoy G. Burdin ◽  
Jerome Laurencin ◽  
Dario Montinaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Differential Resistance ◽  
Solid Oxide ◽  
Constant Current ◽  
Oxide Fuel ◽  
Resistance Analysis ◽  
Modeling Data

ABSTRACTSolid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology that can provide efficient and clean energy production. The general barriers hindering their market entry are durability, i.e. resistance to aging, and costs. In parallel to the deeper insight into the different degradation sources and improved understanding of ageing factors and their interactions, work towards higher accuracy for the assessment and monitoring of real-world fuel cell ageing in necessary. The requirements for operational stability formulate the parameter “degradation rate” (DR). Most often long term durability tests are performed at constant current load and the decrease of the voltage is used for its definition. In this work a new approach based on analysis of the volt-ampere characteristics, named Differential Resistance Analysis (DRA), is presented. It operates with the differential resistance, i.e. with the derivative of the voltage in respect to the current (dU/dI = Rd) which is more sensitive to small deviations and thus increases the sensitivity of the analysis. Two performance indicators are derived (Rd, min and ∆U*) with differing selectivity: ∆U* is more sensitive to activation losses and Rd, min - to transport hindrances. The application of the DRA is demonstrated on examples from measurements in fuel cell and in reverse (fuel cell/electrolyzer) mode, as well as on modeling data. The results show that the method is at least 10 times more sensitive to DR evaluation in comparison with the classical approach.

scholarly journals A Grid-Tied Fuel Cell Multilevel Inverter with Low Harmonic Distortions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 688
Author(s):  
Khlid Ben Hamad ◽  
Doudou N. Luta ◽  
Atanda K. Raji
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Harmonic Distortions

As a result of global energy demand increase, concerns over global warming, and rapid exhaustion of fossil fuels, there is a growing interest in energy system dependence on clean and sustainable energy resources. Attractive power technologies include photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and biomass power. Fuel cells are also clean energy units that substitute power generators based on fossil fuels. They are employed in various applications, including transportation, stationary power, and small portable power. Fuel cell connections to utility grids require that the power conditioning units, interfacing the fuel cells and the grids, operate accordingly (by complying with the grid requirements). This study aims to model a centralised, single-stage grid-tied three-level diode clamped inverter interfacing a multi-stack fuel cell system. The inverter is expected to produce harmonic distortions of less than 0.5% and achieve an efficiency of 85%. Besides the grid, the system consists of a 1.54 MW/1400 V DC proton exchange membrane fuel cell, a 1.3 MW three-level diode clamped inverter with a nominal voltage of 600 V, and an inductance-capacitance-inductance (LCL) filter. Two case studies based on the load conditions are considered to assess the developed system’s performance further. In case 1, the fuel cell system generates enough power to fully meet this load and exports the excess to the grid. In the other case, a load of 2.5 MW was connected at the grid-tied fuel cell inverter’s output terminals. The system imports the grid’s power to meet the 2.5 MW load since the fuel cell can only produce 1.54 MW. It is demonstrated that the system can supply and also receive power from the grid. The results show the developed system’s good performance with a low total harmonic distortion of about 0.12% for the voltage and 0.07% for the current. The results also reveal that the fuel cell inverter voltage and the frequency at the point of common coupling comply with the grid requirements.

scholarly journals Triptycene copolymers as proton exchange membrane for fuel cell - A topical review

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-331
Author(s):  
H. H. Ling ◽  
N. Misdan ◽  
F. Mustafa ◽  
N. H. H. Hairom ◽  
S. H. Nasir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
Exchange Membrane

In view of the pressing need for alternative clean energy source to displace the current dependence on fossil fuel, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology have received renewed research and development interest in the past decade. The electrolyte, which is the proton exchange membrane, is a critical component of the PEMFC and is specifically targeted for research efforts because of its high commercial cost that effectively hindered the widespread usage and competitiveness of the PEMFC technology. Much effort has been focused over the last five years towards the development of novel, durable, highly effective, commercially viable, and low-cost co-polymers as alternative for the expensive Nafion® proton exchange membrane, which is the current industry standard. Our primary review efforts will be directed upon the reported researches of alternative proton exchange membrane co-polymers which involved Triptycene derivatives. Triptycene derivatives, which contain three benzene rings in a three-dimensional non-compliant paddlewheel configuration, are attractive building blocks for the synthesis of proton exchange membranes because it increases the free volume in the polymer. The co-polymers considered in this review are based on hydrocarbon molecular structure, with Triptycene involved as a performance enhancer. Detailed herein are the development and current state of these co-polymers and their performance as alternative fuel cell electrolyte.

Simulation and Hardware and Implementation of Directly Coupled Four Phase Interleaved Boost Converter for Fuel Cells

2013 ◽  
Vol 768 ◽  
pp. 109-118
Author(s):  
M. Tamilarasi ◽  
R. Seyezhai
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Boost Converter ◽  
Passive Components ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
System A ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Interleaved Boost Converter ◽  
Sustainable Power

Fuel cell is one of the promising renewable and sustainable power sources because of its high power density and very low emission. In order to design a highly efficient fuel cell power system, a suitable DC-DC converter is required. In this paper, a four-phase directly coupled Interleaved Boost Converter (IBC) for fuel cell is proposed. A four-phase structure with interleaved control is proposed to reduce the input current ripples, the output voltage ripples, and the size of passive components with high efficiency compared with the other topologies. Mathematical analysis of overall current ripple, design of inductance and other components is investigated. Simulation study of the proposed converter interfaced with fuel cells is carried out using MATLAB. A prototype is built using MOSFET to validate the simulation results.

scholarly journals Numerical Investigation of PEMFC Short-Circuit Behaviour Using an Agglomerate Model Approach

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4108
Author(s):  
Carsten Cosse ◽  
Marc Schumann ◽  
Florian Grumm ◽  
Daniel Becker ◽  
Detlef Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Double Layer ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Peak Current ◽  
Double Layer Capacity

With increasing interest in clean energy generation in the transportation sector, increasing attention has been given to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells as viable power sources. One issue, the widespread application of this technology faces, is the insufficient knowledge regarding the transient behaviour of fuel cells, for instance, following a short-circuit event. In this paper, an agglomerate model is presented and validated, which enables the transient simulation of short-circuit events to predict the resulting peak current and discharge of the double layer capacity. The model allows for the incorporation of detailed morphological and compositional information regarding all fuel cell components. This information is used to calculate the reaction rate, diffusional and convectional species transfer, and the momentum transport. It can be shown that the charge in the double layer capacitance of the fuel cell is key to predicting the peak current and its charge is dependent on the operating conditions of the fuel cell. Further, the effects of the magnitude of the double layer capacity, current rise time and stoichiometry on the dynamic behaviour of the fuel cell are investigated. It can be shown that the discharge of the double layer capacity proceeds from the membrane through the catalyst layer to the gas diffusion layer and that the stoichiometry of the gas supply does not significantly change the absolute peak value of the short-circuit current.

scholarly journals New Perspectives on Fuel Cell Technology: A Brief Review

Membranes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norazlianie Sazali ◽  
Wan Norharyati Wan Salleh ◽  
Ahmad Shahir Jamaludin ◽  
Mohd Nizar Mhd Razali
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Energy Storage And Conversion ◽  
Carnot Cycle ◽  
Cell Functions

Energy storage and conversion is a very important link between the steps of energy production and energy consumption. Traditional fossil fuels are a natural and unsustainable energy storage medium with limited reserves and notorious pollution problems, therefore demanding a better choice to store and utilize the green and renewable energies in the future. Energy and environmental problems require a clean and efficient way of using the fuels. Fuel cell functions to efficiently convert oxidant and chemical energy accumulated in the fuel directly into DC electric, with the by-products of heat and water. Fuel cells, which are known as effective electrochemical converters, and electricity generation technology has gained attention due to the need for clean energy, the limitation of fossil fuel resources and the capability of a fuel cell to generate electricity without involving any moving mechanical part. The fuel cell technologies that received high interest for commercialization are polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The optimum efficiency for the fuel cell is not bound by the principle of Carnot cycle compared to other traditional power machines that are generally based on thermal cycles such as gas turbines, steam turbines and internal combustion engines. However, the fuel cell applications have been restrained by the high cost needed to commercialize them. Researchers currently focus on the discovery of different materials and manufacturing methods to enhance fuel cell performance and simplify components of fuel cells. Fuel cell systems’ designs are utilized to reduce the costs of the membrane and improve cell efficiency, durability and reliability, allowing them to compete with the traditional combustion engine. In this review, we primarily analyze recent developments in fuel cells technologies and up-to-date modeling for PEMFCs, SOFCs and DMFCs.

scholarly journals Assessment of Battery Storage Technologies for a Turkish Power Network

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Cagatay Kocer ◽  
Ceyhun Cengiz ◽  
Mehmet Gezer ◽  
Doruk Gunes ◽  
Mehmet Aytac Cinar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Power Network ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Battery Energy Storage Systems ◽  
High Investment ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
Battery Energy ◽  
Storage Technologies ◽  
The Cost

Population growth has brought an increase in energy demand and cost that has a meaningful impact on personal and government expenses. In this respect, governments attach importance to investments in renewable energy resources (RER), which are a sustainable and clean energy source. However, the unpredictable characteristics of RER are a major problem for these clean sources and RER need auxiliary assets. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are one of the promising solutions for these issues. Due to the high investment cost of BESS, governments act cautiously about accepting and implementing BESS in their power network. Recently, with the improvement of technology, the cost of BESS has been reduced, and therefore battery technologies have begun to be applied to conventional systems. In this study, first, we will review and discuss the current globally state-of-the-art BESS and their applications. Later, attention will be turned to a country-specific study for Turkey.

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