Fuel Cell Stack Technology

M. Farooque, "Development of Internal Reforming Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack Technology," Final Report, DOE/MC/23274-2941, October 1991. 

M. Farooque, "Development of Internal Reforming Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack Technology," Performed under Contract No. DE-AC21-87MC23274, DOE/MC/23374-2941, October 1990. M. Farooque, et al., "Comparative Assessment of Coal-Fueled Carbonate Fuel Cell and Competing TQdaao o Q%," presented at the 25th lECEC, Vol. 3, pp. 193-200, 1990. 

The majority of research on micro-scale fuel cells is also aimed at micro-power applications. There are many new miniaturised applications which can only be realised if a higher energy density power source is available compared to button cells and other small batteries. Miniaturisation of the conventional fuel cell stack technology is not possible down to these dimensions [2]. 

Louie, C. (2009) Automotive fuel cells stack technology - status, plans, outlook, in Proceedings, ZEV Technology Symposium 2009, Sacramento, CA, September 21-22, 2009. 

D.J. Wheeler, J.S. Yi, R. Fredley, D. Yang, T. Patterson Jr., L. VanDine, Advacements in Fuel cell Stack Technology at International Fuel Cells, International Fuel Cells (now UTC Fuel Cellsj, Journal of New Materials for Electrochemical Systems, 4, 2001. 

The aim of this chapter has been to provide a basic introduction to fuel cell technology and a number of other appUcation areas not covered in the remainder of this book. The main points to take away are that there are a number of fuel cell stack technologies under development, each with applications areas that are more suited to than others. To wait to see if one type becomes dominant in an application closing the market for others will take a long time as to date there are no signs of this happening. Apart from the main six types we may see some of the less mainstream fuel cell types breakthrough into a more commercially orientated phase. 

Wheeler, D.J., Yi, J.S., Fredley, R., Yang, D., Patterson, X, and VanDine, L. (2001) Advancements in fuel cell stack technology at international fuel ceUs, J. New Mater. Electrochem. Syst., 4, 233-238. 

Ballard Power Systems Inc. Commercially Viable Fuel Cell Stack Technology Ready by 2010, News Release March 20, (2005). 

Fuel cell technology probably offers a new emerging area for polyheterocyclic polymers as membranes. Fuel cells are interesting in transport applications and are now being evaluated in Chicago in transit buses with a 275-hp engine working with three 13 kW Ballard fuel cell stacks. 

R. Loehman et al., Development of Reliable Methods for Sealing Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks, SECA Core Technology Program Review, January 27-28, 2005, Tampa,... 

Hyundai introduced its new i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. The i-Blue platform incorporates Hyundai s third-generation fuel cell technology and is powered by a 100-kW electrical engine and fuel cell stack. It is fueled with compressed hydrogen at 700 bar stored in a 115 liter tank. The i-Blue is capable of running more than 600-km per refueling stop and has a maximum speed of 165-km/h. 

FuelCell Energy is a partner with Versa Power Systems, Nexant, and Gas Technology Institute to develop more affordable fuel-cell-based technology that uses synthesis gas from a coal gasifier. The key objectives include the development of fuel cell technologies, fabrication processes, and manufacturing capabilities for solid oxide fuel cell stacks for multi-mega-watt power plants. 

In another report, James and Kalinoski [4] performed an estimation of the costs for a direct hydrogen fuel cell system used in automotive applications. The assumed system consisted of an 80 kW system with four fuel cell stacks, each with 93 active cells this represents around 400 MEAs (i.e., 800 DLs) per system. The study was performed assuming that the DL material used for both the anode and cathode sides would be carbon fiber paper with an MPL. In fact, the cost estimate was based on SGL Carbon prices for its DLs with an approximate CEP value of around US 12 m for 500,000 systems per year. Based on this report, the overall value of the DLs (with MPL) is around US 42.98 per kilowatt (for current technology and 1,000 systems per year) and 3.27 per kilowatt (for 2015 technology and 500,000 systems per year). Figure 4.2 shows the cost component distribution for this 80 kW fuel cell system. In conclusion, the diffusion layer materials used for fuel cells not only have to comply with all the technical requirements that different fuel cell systems require, but also have to be cost effective. 

In PEMFCs working at low temperatures (20-90 °C), several problems need to be solved before the technological development of fuel cell stacks for different applications. This concerns the properties of the components of the elementary cell, that is, the proton exchange membrane, the electrode (anode and cathode) catalysts, the membrane-electrode assemblies and the bipolar plates [19, 20]. This also concerns the overall system vdth its control and management equipment (circulation of reactants and water, heat exhaust, membrane humidification, etc.). 

Institute for Chemical Technology of the Technical University of Graz (hosting also the CD Laboratory for Fuel Cells). Here, development of advanced fuel cell electrodes is in progress. This Institute also makes and assembles fuel cell stacks and accessory equipment. Five prototype Apollo Fuel Cell have been produced. 

The critical technology development areas are advanced materials, manufacturing techniques, and other advancements that will lower costs, increase durability, and improve reliability and performance for all fuel cell systems and applications. These activities need to address not only core fuel cell stack issues but also balance of plant (BOP) subsystems such as fuel processors hydrogen production, delivery, and storage power electronics sensors and controls air handling equipment and heat exchangers. Research and development areas include ... 

Pakalapati, S.R., Elizalde-Blancas, F. and Celik, I. (2007) Numerical simulation of solid oxide fuel cell stacks Comparison between a reduced order pseudo three-dimensional model and a multidimensional model, Proceedings of 5th ASME International Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Conference, New York, USA, June 18-20. 

Figure 3.3.6 Illustration of the layered component structure of an individual technological PEMFC. Serial combination of individual PEMFCs results in fuel cell stacks. Figure reproduced from [1],...

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