scholarly journals Possibilities of Using Fuel Cells for Energy Generation in Agricultural Greenhouses: A Case Study in Crete, Greece

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
John Vourdoubas
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Specific Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Solar Photovoltaics

The possibility of using fuel cells powered by solar hydrogen for energy generation in greenhouses with reference to the island of Crete, Greece has been examined. Change of fossil fuels used in greenhouses with renewable energies and sustainable energy technologies is very important for mitigation of climate change. Various renewable energy sources and low carbon emission technologies including geothermal energy, biomass, solar photovoltaics and co-generation systems have been used so far. Use of solar photovoltaics for generating electricity consumed in water electrolysis for hydrogen production has been investigated. Hydrogen feeding a proton exchange membrane fuel cell co-generating electricity and heat was used in a greenhouse located in Crete, Greece. The system could be useful in a stand-alone greenhouse with annual specific energy consumption at 150 KWh/m2. A solar photovoltaic system with nominal power at 33.33 KWp powering an electrolytic cell at 5.71 KW could produce annually 2,083 kg hydrogen. The hydrogen could feed a fuel cell at 1.71 KWel generating annually all the electricity required in a greenhouse of 1,000 m2. Co-produced heat could also cover 11.11% of the annual heat requirements in the greenhouse. It was found though that the overall electric efficiency of the system was very low at 4.5%. The low overall efficiency and the size of the solar-PV required indicate that the abovementioned energy system is not suitable in commercial agricultural greenhouses.

Polymer based Membrane Electrospun Fiber in Fuel Cell Application: A Short Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazlina Junoh ◽  
Juhana Jaafar ◽  
M. H. D. Othman ◽  
Mukhlis A. Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Conductivity ◽  
Electrospun Fiber ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Nanocomposite Membrane ◽  
Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Fuel Cell Application

usage which contributes to the environmental issues. Among the type of existing renewable energy, fuel cells is the most promising renewable energy sources since the energy can be directly converted from combustible of fuel. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) is the heart of the fuel cells system. The research and development on proton electrolyte membrane is keep burgeoned. Even though the studies of the electrolyte nanocomposite membrane for fuel cell application are quite various but only a few studies focused on the effect of electrospun nanocomposite membrane on the performance of proton electrolyte membrane. This review is focusing on the electrospinning process for the preparation of electrospun fiber membrane. This review is concentrates on polymer based membrane electrospun nanofiber and their influence on proton conductivity as well as on fuel crossover barrier properties. The proton conductivity and fuel crossover can be improved by fully exfoliated structure of nanocomposite electrolyte membrane via electropinning process and thus the membrane can be an alternative PEM for DMFC applications.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Impurity Concentration Process and Mitigation Operation in Fuel Cell System for Using Biogas

Reactions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-128
Author(s):  
Yutaro Akimoto ◽  
Yuta Minei ◽  
Keiichi Okajima
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Recirculation System ◽  
Concentration Of Impurities

For a low-carbon society, it is necessary to extract hydrogen for fuel cells from biogas rather than from fossil fuels. However, impurities contained in the biogas affect the fuel cell; hence, there is a need for system and operation methods to remove these impurities. In this study, to develop a fuel cell system for the effective utilization of biogas-derived hydrogen, the compositional change and concentration of impurities in the hydrogen recirculation system under actual operation were evaluated using process simulation. Then, the mitigation operation for performance degradation using simple purification methods was evaluated on the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) stack. In the process simulation of the hydrogen recirculation system, including the PEMFC stack, the concentration of impurities remained at a level that did not pose a problem to the performance. In the constant voltage test for a simulated gas supply of biogas-derived hydrogen, the conditions for applying the methanation reforming and air bleeding methods were analyzed. As a result, methanation reforming is more suitable for supplying biogas-containing CO to the PEMFC stack for continuous operation.

Heat Exchangers for Fuel Cell and Hybrid System Applications

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Magistri ◽  
A. Traverso ◽  
A. F. Massardo ◽  
R. K. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
The Impact

The fuel cell system and fuel cell gas turbine hybrid system represent an emerging technology for power generation because of its higher energy conversion efficiency, extremely low environmental pollution and potential use of some renewable energy sources as fuels. Depending upon the type and size of applications, from domestic heating to industrial cogeneration, there are different types of fuel cell technologies to be employed. The fuel cells considered in this paper are the proton exchange membrane (PEMFC), the molten carbonate (MCFC) and the solid oxide (SOFC) fuel cells. In all these systems, heat exchangers play an important and critical role in the thermal management of the fuel cell itself and the boundary components, such as the fuel reformer (when methane or natural gas is used), the air preheating and the fuel cell cooling. In this paper, the impact of heat exchangers on the performance of PEMFC systems and SOFC-MCFC gas turbine hybrid systems is investigated. Several options in terms of cycle layout and heat exchanger technology are discussed from the on-design, off-design and control perspectives. A general overview of the main issues related to heat exchangers performance, cost and durability is presented and the most promising configurations identified.

scholarly journals Performance Assessment of a Hybrid System with Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell for Cogeneration in Buildings

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 4832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Boulmrharj ◽  
Mohammed Khaidar ◽  
Mohamed Bakhouya ◽  
Radouane Ouladsine ◽  
Mostapha Siniti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Water Electrolysis ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Photovoltaic System

The search for new fuels to supersede fossil fuels has been intensified these recent decades. Among these fuels, hydrogen has attracted much interest due to its advantages, mainly cleanliness and availability. It can be produced from various raw materials (e.g., water, biomass) using many resources, mainly water electrolysis and natural gas reforming. However, water electrolysis combined with renewable energy sources is the cleanest way to produce hydrogen while reducing greenhouse gases. Besides, hydrogen can be used by fuel cells for producing both electrical and thermal energy. The aim of this work was towards efficient integration of this system into energy efficient buildings. The system is comprised of a photovoltaic system, hydrogen electrolyzer, and proton exchange membrane fuel cell operating as a cogeneration system to provide the building with both electricity and thermal energy. The system’s modeling, simulations, and experimentations were first conducted over a short-run period to assess the system’s performance. Reported results show the models’ accuracy in analyzing the system’s performance. We then used the developed models for long-run testing of the hybrid system. Accordingly, the system’s electrical efficiency was almost 32%. Its overall efficiency reached 64.5% when taking into account both produced electricity and thermal energy.

Heat Exchangers for Fuel Cell and Hybrid System Applications

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Magistri ◽  
A. Traverso ◽  
A. F. Massardo ◽  
R. K. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Heat Exchangers ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
The Impact

The fuel cell system and fuel cell gas turbine hybrid system represent an emerging technology for power generation because of its higher energy conversion efficiency, extremely low environmental pollution, and potential use of some renewable energy sources as fuels. Depending upon the type and size of applications, from domestic heating to industrial cogeneration, there are different types of fuel cell technologies to be employed. The fuel cells considered in this paper are mainly the molten carbonate (MCFC) and the solid oxide (SOFC) fuel cells, while a brief overview is provided about the proton exchange membrane (PEMFC). In all these systems, heat exchangers play an important and critical role in the thermal management of the fuel cell itself and the boundary components, such as the fuel reformer (when methane or natural gas is used), the air preheating, and the fuel cell cooling. In this paper, the impact of heat exchangers on the performance of SOFC, MCFC gas turbine hybrid systems and PEMFC systems is investigated. Several options in terms of cycle layout and heat exchanger technology are discussed from the on-design, off-design and control perspectives. A general overview of the main issues related to heat exchangers performance, cost and durability is presented and the most promising configurations identified.

Highly proton conductive membranes based on carboxylated cellulose nanofibres and their performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Guccini ◽  
Annika Carlson ◽  
Shun Yu ◽  
Göran Lindbergh ◽  
Rakel Wreland Lindström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Surface Charge ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Membrane Thickness ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Cellulose Nanofibres ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The performance of thin carboxylated cellulose nanofiber-based (CNF) membranes as proton exchange membranes in fuel cells has been measured in-situ as a function of CNF surface charge density (600 and 1550 µmol g<sup>-1</sup>), counterion (H<sup>+</sup>or Na<sup>+</sup>), membrane thickness and fuel cell relative humidity (RH 55 to 95 %). The structural evolution of the membranes as a function of RH as measured by Small Angle X-ray scattering shows that water channels are formed only above 75 % RH. The amount of absorbed water was shown to depend on the membrane surface charge and counter ions (Na<sup>+</sup>or H<sup>+</sup>). The high affinity of CNF for water and the high aspect ratio of the nanofibers, together with a well-defined and homogenous membrane structure, ensures a proton conductivity exceeding 1 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>at 30 °C between 65 and 95 % RH. This is two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported values for cellulose materials and only one order of magnitude lower than Nafion 212. Moreover, the CNF membranes are characterized by a lower hydrogen crossover than Nafion, despite being ≈ 30 % thinner. Thanks to their environmental compatibility and promising fuel cell performance the CNF membranes should be considered for new generation proton exchange membrane fuel cells.<br>

Latest Trends and Challenges In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Jourdani ◽  
Hamid Mounir ◽  
Abdellatif El Marjani
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Cell Efficiency ◽  
Technical Advances ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Background: During last few years, the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) underwent a huge development. Method: The different contributions to the design, the material of all components and the efficiencies are analyzed. Result: Many technical advances are introduced to increase the PEMFC fuel cell efficiency and lifetime for transportation, stationary and portable utilization. Conclusion: By the last years, the total cost of this system is decreasing. However, the remaining challenges that need to be overcome mean that it will be several years before full commercialization can take place.This paper gives an overview of the recent advancements in the development of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cells and remaining challenges of PEMFC.

scholarly journals A Review of Hydrogen Purification Technologies for Fuel Cell Vehicles

Catalysts ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
Zhemin Du ◽  
Congmin Liu ◽  
Junxiang Zhai ◽  
Xiuying Guo ◽  
Yalin Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Impurity Content ◽  
Fuel Cell Vehicle ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Hydrogen Purification ◽  
Fuel Cell Vehicles ◽  
Low Carbon

Nowadays, we face a series of global challenges, including the growing depletion of fossil energy, environmental pollution, and global warming. The replacement of coal, petroleum, and natural gas by secondary energy resources is vital for sustainable development. Hydrogen (H2) energy is considered the ultimate energy in the 21st century because of its diverse sources, cleanliness, low carbon emission, flexibility, and high efficiency. H2 fuel cell vehicles are commonly the end-point application of H2 energy. Owing to their zero carbon emission, they are gradually replacing traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuel. As the H2 fuel cell vehicle industry rapidly develops, H2 fuel supply, especially H2 quality, attracts increasing attention. Compared with H2 for industrial use, the H2 purity requirements for fuel cells are not high. Still, the impurity content is strictly controlled since even a low amount of some impurities may irreversibly damage fuel cells’ performance and running life. This paper reviews different versions of current standards concerning H2 for fuel cell vehicles in China and abroad. Furthermore, we analyze the causes and developing trends for the changes in these standards in detail. On the other hand, according to characteristics of H2 for fuel cell vehicles, standard H2 purification technologies, such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA), membrane separation and metal hydride separation, were analyzed, and the latest research progress was reviewed.

Submicro-pore containing poly(ether sulfones)/polyvinylpyrrolidone membranes for high-temperature fuel cell applications

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (16) ◽  
pp. 8847-8854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibin Guo ◽  
Ruijie Xiu ◽  
Shanfu Lu ◽  
Xin Xu ◽  
Shichun Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Exchange Membrane

A novel submicro-pore containing proton exchange membrane is designed and fabricated for application in high-temperature fuel cells.

Fuel Cells vs. Competing Technologies

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supramanian Srinivasan ◽  
Lakshmi Krishnan ◽  
Andrew B. Bocarsly ◽  
Kan-Lin Hsueh ◽  
Chiou-Chu Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Direct Methanol ◽  
Energy Conversion Systems ◽  
Competing Technologies

Investments of over $1 B have been made for Fuel Cell R&D over the past five decades, for space and terrestrial applications; the latter includes military, residential power and heating, transportation and remote and portable power. The types of fuel cells investigated for these applications are PEMFCs (proton exchange membrane fuel cells), AFCs (alkaline fuel cells), DMFCs (direct methanol fuel cells), PAFCs (phosphoric acid fuel cells), MCFCs (molten carbon fuel cells), SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells). Cell structure, operating principles, and characteristics of each type of fuel cell is briefly compared. The performances of fuel cells vs. competing technologies are analyzed. The key issues are which of these energy conversion systems are technologically advanced and economically favorable and can meet the lifetime, reliability and safety requirements. This paper reviews fuel cells vs. competing technologies in each application category from a scientific and engineering point of view.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document