Water and Thermal Management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells


Book Description

Water and Thermal Management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells introduces the main research methods and latest advances in the water and thermal management of PEMFCs. The book introduces the transport mechanism of each component, including modeling methods at different scales, along with practical exercises. Topics include PEMFC fundamentals, working principles and transport mechanisms, characterization tests and diagnostic analysis, the simulation of multiphase transport and electrode kinetics, cell-scale modeling, stack-scale modeling, and system-scale modeling. This volume offers a practical handbook for researchers, students and engineers in the fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are high-efficiency and low-emission electrochemical energy conversion devices. Inside the PEMFC complex, physical and chemical processes take place, such as electrochemical reaction, multiphase flow and heat transfer. This book explores these topics, and more. - Introduces the transport mechanism for each component of PEMFCs - Presents modeling methods at different scales, including component, cell, stack and system scales - Provides exercises in PEMFC modeling, along with examples of necessary codes - Covers the latest advances in PEMFCs in a convenient and structured manner - Offers a solution to researchers, students and engineers working on proton exchange membrane fuel cells




PEM Fuel Cells


Book Description

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells convert chemical energy in hydrogen into electrical energy with water as the only by-product. Thus, PEM fuel cells hold great promise to reduce both pollutant emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, especially for transportation—passenger cars, utility vehicles, and buses—and small-scale stationary and portable power generators. But one of the greatest challenges to realizing the high efficiency and zero emissions potential of PEM fuel cells technology is heat and water management. This book provides an introduction to the essential concepts for effective thermal and water management in PEM fuel cells and an assessment on the current status of fundamental research in this field. The book offers you: • An overview of current energy and environmental challenges and their imperatives for the development of renewable energy resources, including discussion of the role of PEM fuel cells in addressing these issues; • Reviews of basic principles pertaining to PEM fuel cells, including thermodynamics, electrochemical reaction kinetics, flow, heat and mass transfer; and • Descriptions and discussions of water transport and management within a PEM fuel cell, including vapor- and liquid-phase water removal from the electrodes, the effects of two-phase flow, and solid water or ice dynamics and removal, particularly the specialized case of starting a PEM fuel cell at sub-freezing temperatures (cold start) and the various processes related to ice formation.




PEM Fuel Cells


Book Description

PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. - Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications - Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters - Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts




Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells


Book Description

This book examines the characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells with a focus on deriving realistic finite element models. The book also explains in detail how to set up measuring systems, data analysis, and PEM Fuel Cells’ static and dynamic characteristics. Covered in detail are design and operation principles such as polarization phenomenon, thermodynamic analysis, and overall voltage; failure modes and mechanisms such as permanent faults, membrane degradation, and water management; and modelling and numerical simulation including semi-empirical, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional models. It is appropriate for graduate students, researchers, and engineers who work with the design and reliability of hydrogen fuel cells, in particular proton exchange membrane fuel cells.







Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells


Book Description

Nanotechnology in Fuel Cells focuses on the use of nanotechnology in macroscopic and nanosized fuel cells to enhance their performance and lifespan. The book covers the fundamental design concepts and promising applications of nanotechnology-enhanced fuel cells and their advantages over traditional fuel cells in portable devices, including longer shelf life and lower cost. In the case of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), nano-membranes could provide 100 times higher conductivity of hydrogen ions in low humidity conditions than traditional membranes. For hydrogen fuel cell, nanocatalysts (Pt hybrid nanoparticles) could provide 12 times higher catalytic activity. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are looking to understand how nanotechnology is being used to create more efficient macro- and nanosized fuel cells. - Outlines how fuel cells can be nanoengineered to enhance their performance and lifespan - Covers a variety of fuel cell types, including proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and hydrogen-based fuel cells - Assesses the major challenges of nanoengineering fuel cells at an industrial scale




Recent Trends in Fuel Cell Science and Technology


Book Description

This book covers all the proposed fuel cell systems including PEMFC, SOFC, PAFC, MCFC, regenerative fuel cells, direct alcohol fuel cells, and small fuel cells to replace batteries.




PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis


Book Description

PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis covers the recent advances in PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell systems, focusing on instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis, and the application of diagnostic techniques in practical tests and operation. This book is a unique source of electrochemical techniques for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the area of fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are currently considered the most promising clean energy-converting devices for stationary, transportation, and micro-power applications due to their high energy density, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. To advance research and development of this emerging technology, testing and diagnosis are an essential combined step. This book aids those efforts, addressing effects of humidity, temperature and pressure on fuel cells, degradation and failure analysis, and design and assembly of MEAs, single cells and stacks. - Provides fundamental and theoretical principles for PEM fuel cell testing and diagnosis. - Comprehensive source for selecting techniques, experimental designs and data analysis - Analyzes PEM fuel cell degradation and failure mechanisms, and suggests failure mitigation strategies - Provides principles for selecting PEM fuel cell key materials to improve durability




PEM Fuel Cell Modeling and Simulation Using Matlab


Book Description

Although, the basic concept of a fuel cell is quite simple, creating new designs and optimizing their performance takes serious work and a mastery of several technical areas. PEM Fuel Cell Modeling and Simulation Using Matlab, provides design engineers and researchers with a valuable tool for understanding and overcoming barriers to designing and building the next generation of PEM Fuel Cells. With this book, engineers can test components and verify designs in the development phase, saving both time and money. Easy to read and understand, this book provides design and modelling tips for fuel cell components such as: modelling proton exchange structure, catalyst layers, gas diffusion, fuel distribution structures, fuel cell stacks and fuel cell plant. This book includes design advice and MATLAB and FEMLAB codes for Fuel Cell types such as: polymer electrolyte, direct methanol and solid oxide fuel cells. This book also includes types for one, two and three dimensional modeling and two-phase flow phenomena and microfluidics. *Modeling and design validation techniques *Covers most types of Fuel Cell including SOFC *MATLAB and FEMLAB modelling codes *Translates basic phenomena into mathematical equations




Polymer Membranes for Fuel Cells


Book Description

From the late-1960’s, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSAs) ionomers have dominated the PEM fuel cell industry as the membrane material of choice. The “gold standard’ amongst the many variations that exist today has been, and to a great extent still is, DuPont’s Nafion® family of materials. However, there is significant concern in the industry that these materials will not meet the cost, performance, and durability requirementsnecessary to drive commercialization in key market segments – es- cially automotive. Indeed, Honda has already put fuel cell vehicles in the hands of real end users that have home-grown fuel cell stack technology incorporating hydrocarbon-based ionomers. “Polymer Membranes in Fuel Cells” takes an in-depth look at the new chem- tries and membrane technologies that have been developed over the years to address the concerns associated with the materials currently in use. Unlike the PFSAs, which were originally developed for the chlor-alkali industry, the more recent hydrocarbon and composite materials have been developed to meet the specific requirements of PEM Fuel Cells. Having said this, most of the work has been based on derivatives of known polymers, such as poly(ether-ether ketones), to ensure that the critical requirement of low cost is met. More aggressive operational requi- ments have also spurred the development on new materials; for example, the need for operation at higher temperature under low relative humidity has spawned the creation of a plethora of new polymers with potential application in PEM Fuel Cells.