Power, fuel cells methods

Fuel Cell Catalysts. Euel cells (qv) are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel direcdy into electrical and thermal energy. The fuel cell, an environmentally clean method of power generation (qv), is more efficient than most other energy conversion systems. The main by-product is pure water. 

Investigation of Design and Manufacturing Methods for Low-Cost Fabrication of High Efficiency, High Power Density PEM Fuel Cell Power Plant," prepared by International Fuel Cells, Final Report FCR-11320A, June 10, 1991. 

The following examples are presented for individual unit operations found within a fuel cell system. Unit operations are the individual building blocks found within a complex chemical system. By analyzing example problems for the unit operation, one can learn about the underlying scientific principles and engineering calculation methods that can be applied to various systems. This approach will provide the reader with a better understanding of these fuel cell power system building blocks as well as the interactions between the unit operations. For example, the desired power output from the fuel cell unit operation will determine the fuel flow requirement of the fuel processor. 

One method proposed for estimating the cost of fuel cell power plants is to calculate distributive (bulk) costs as a function of the equipment cost using established factors based on conventional generating technologies. When applied in such a way as to compensate for the differences associated with a fuel cell plant, this approach can yield reasonable results. NETL has elected, based on the international prominence of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE), to utilize this approach in estimating the costs for fuel cell/turbine power plant systems currently under study. 

PTC 50 ASME Performance Test Code - Will provide test procedures, methods and definitions for the performance characterization of fuel cell power systems. 

ASME PTC 50 ASME Performance Test Code 50 - Fuel Cell Power Systems provides test procedures, methods and definitions for the performance characterization of fuel cell power systems. The code specifies the methods and procedures for conducting and reporting fuel cell system ratings. Specific methods of testing, instrumentation, techniques, calculations and reporting are presented. This standard is currently being drafted and is expected to be approved and published in 2002. 

The properties and composition of the CL in PEM fuel cells play a key role in determining the electrochemical reaction rate and power output of the system. Other factors, such as the preparation and treatment methods, can also affect catalyst layer performance. Therefore, optimization of the catalyst layer with respect to all these factors is a major goal in fuel cell development. For example, an optimal catalyst layer design is required to improve catalyst... 

Wee, J. H., Lee, K. Y, and Kim, S. H. Fabrication methods for low-Pt-loading electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems. Journal of Power Sources 2007 165 667-677. 

Song, J. M., Cha, S. Y., and Lee, W. M. Optimal composition of polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes determined by the AG impedance method. Journal of Power Sources 2001 94 78-84. 

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