POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS

Authors

Points of Discussion
1. Introduction 2. Working Principle

3. Structure and Materials

4. Applications & Developments 5. Laboratory Research

6. Conclusions

Introduction
A fuel cell is a device that uses oxygen from the air and hydrogen fuel to produce electricity. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), are a type of fuel cell that consists on a solid polymer electrolyte sandwiched between a cathode and an anode.

Introduction
PEMFC features:

High efficiency (40 to 60%) High power density that increases at fast rates (10kW/L). From few to hundreds of KW. Operates at low temperatures (50C-100C) less wear on the components better durability

Working Principle
Anode H2 reacts with the Pt catalyst forming protons and releasing electrons.
H2 PEM

Cathode
The protons (H) combined with the electrons and the O2 form water.
H2 + O2+ eH2 O O2 + 4H++4 e- 2H2O

H + e2H2 4H+ + 4 e-

2H2 + O2 2H2O

Working Principle

(1)

Structure & Materials

Electrodes and Catalyst

The electrodes are mainly made from mesoporous graphite. The Catalyst is mainly made out of Platinum (0.2 mg/cm2) allowing the hydrogen to diffuse at room temperature.

Membrane

Is a thin, solid, organic compound that conducts the charged ions (H+) from the anode to the cathode, but doesnt conduct electrons.

Mainly made of Nafion

Membrane Requirements
High proton conductivity

Water transport balance

Gas impermeability

Electric insulator properties

Thermic and chemical Stability

Plates

The bipolar plates are usually made of non porous graphite; composite materials or coated metallic plates, such as steel or aluminum.

Structure of a PEMFC

(2)

Applications & Development

Stationary

Transport

Portable

Stationary Applications

Back up power plants in Hospitals Emergency transmitters Power stations

They represent 88% of all PEMFC in the world

(3-4)

Stationary Developments
Company UPS Systems (UK) Japanese government Stationary -Off grid power units. US$/unit: 25000 Residential units. 2400 small stationary units subsidized by the government over a three years timeframe.

HydroGenics (USA) (with Gore -Work with IdaTech in a DOE funded project to Fuel Cell Technologies MEAs) develop 50kW stationary PEM fuel cells -Supply hydrogen generators to two of Chinas largest energy companies. Plug power (USA)
-Home

Energy Station with HONDA -GenCore and GenSys technology, hydrogen generation system

on-site

Transport Applications
A great advantage of vehicles powered by pure hydrogen is that they emit much less greenhouse gases to the environment. The main barrier in this application are the hydrogen storage and the currently life time which is approximately 7000 hours.

Transport Applications
Fork lift PEMFC toy car model

They have fast start-up time, possibility to work in any orientation and favorable power/weight ratio
(5-6)

Transport Applications

Honda FCX Clarity fuel economy of 60 miles/kgH2

Ballard is the leading Company in PEMFC busses (78000h lifetime)

They emit less green house gases but must offer more advantages in terms of durability, performance and cost if they want to compete with other vehicles engines.

(10-11)

Portable Applications

Laptops, mobile phones & radios.

(11-12)

Portable Developments

Company Voller (UK) Intelligent Energy (USA) Plug power (USA)

Portable -Battery chargers and mobile power generators (construction, leisure and military markets) -ENV (emissions neutral vehicle) hydrogen powered fuel cell bike. -Telecommunications applications

Laboratory research in PEMFC

Gas Diffusion layer

Membrane

Catalyst

Bipolar Plates

PEMFC Membranes Laboratory Research

Dow membranes out of use. Membrane laboratory research is aiming on alternatives to Nafion membranes, in order to improve fuel cell performance focusing on temperature limitations such as Flemion or Aciplex membranes.

PEMFC Catalyst Laboratory Research

The catalyst research is focusing on the following criteria:
On Non Pt catalyst for example new alloys Pt/Ru or Pt/Pd. Cheaper substitutes and recyclability. Alternative methods of impregnation to reduce the amount of Pt such as microemulsion. Concerns about hazardous materials use and waste management.

PEMFC Bipolar Plates Laboratory Research

Alternatives to graphite: Metallic plates such as Fe-based, Au coated SS, LF11 Al alloys, TiN coated SS316L or Ni-50Cr present better corrosion properties.

Disadvantages of electrical conductors : More electrical resistance; Less power density

Composite materials Are lighter, cheaper and more easy to mechanize The downside is that they present more electrical resistance than other materials.

PEMFC Bipolar Plates Laboratory Research

Plate performances depending on the material used: graphite, Al alloy and Steel.

PEMFC Gas Diffusion Layer Laboratory Research

Its investigation is aimed on decreasing its water retention and improving electrical conductivity. This type of layers are usually made of Teflon.
Polyvinildifluoride mixed with carbon black is cheaper and reduce mass transport losses enhancing the cell performance.

Conclusions

The main challenges that PEM is currently facing are the price of materials and the need of hydrogen infraestructure specifically on the transport sector.
There is a clear tendency in the industry to invest on stationary (specially off-grid power) and portable applications PEFCMs technology.

Conclusion
The performance has increased over the years and depends directly on the materials being used in the PEFC being the best ones: Nafion (membrane); Graphite (BPP) and Porous Carbon with 0.2mg/cm2 , Pt (Electrodes).

Refference

(1) Fuel cell design, http://www.scientificomputing.com/images/scwjanfeb03fuelcell1.jp g&imgrefurl (2) Nano Patents and Innovations, http://nanopatentsandinnovations.blogspot.com/2010/01/synthesis -of-platinum-cobalt-alloy.html (3) Ballard Image gallery, http://www.ballard.com/About_Ballard/News_Events_Press_Room/I mage_Gallery/details.aspx?gID=124 (4) Glandersa eletrical systems, http://www.galander.com/eng/idatech.html

Refference

(5) Electronic District, http://electronic.districsides.com/polymerelectrolyte (6) Ballard Image gallery, http://www.ballard.com/About_Ballard/News_Events_Press_Room/I mage_Gallery/details.aspx?gID=124 (7) Ballard Image gallery, http://www.ballard.com/About_Ballard/News_Events_Press_Room/I mage_Gallery/details.aspx?gID=90 (8) Hydrogen Fuel Cell, http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/horizonhydrogen-fuel-cell-fcjj-21-for-your-rc-electric-hobby-cars/

Refference

(9) Honda FCX Clarity 2010 3D Model, http://www.fallingpixel.com/honda-fcx-clarity-2010-3dmodel/12280

(10) Hydrogen Fuel Cell, http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/horizon-hydrogen-fuel-cell-fcjj21-for-your-rc-electric-hobby-cars/ (11-12) Minnesota pollution control agency, fuel cells, http://www.connectionpros.com/wpcontent/uploads/2010/08/ASUS-Eee-PC-1015PN-and-PEMLaptops.jpg