Proton exchange membrane fuel cell components

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are being considered as a potential alternative energy conversion device for mobile power applications. Since the electrolyte of a PEM fuel cell can function at low temperatures (typically at 80 °C), PEMFCs are unique from the other commercially viable types of fuel cells. Moreover, the electrolyte membrane and other cell components can be manufactured very thin, allowing for high power production to be achieved within a small volume of space. Thus, the combination of small size and fast start-up makes PEMFCs an excellent candidate for use in mobile power applications, such as laptop computers, cell phones, and automobiles. 

Because of its lower temperature and special polymer electrolyte membrane, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is well-suited for transportation, portable, and micro fuel cell applications. But the performance of these fuel cells critically depends on the materials used for the various cell components. Durability, water management, and reducing catalyst poisoning are important factors when selecting PEMFC materials. 

The 3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-l,2-oxathiocin 2,2-dioxide is the key component for the synthesis of a polymer used for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Membranes made with this polymer are pliant, do not expand much during wet conditions, and are chemically, hydrolytically, and thermally stable <2006USP0135702>. 

An electrolyte is an essential component within fuel cells, used to facilitate the selective migration of ions between the electrodes. Fuel cells are typically classified according to the electrolytes used alkaline fuel cell (AFC), polymer electrolyte (or proton exchange membrane) fuel cell (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC),... 

From the basic components to parts, modules, and the final system, many types of evaluations are involv in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Some evaluations can be done in minutes or hours, while some other evaluations may take weeks, months, or even years. This chapter briefly describes the major evaluations. 

Yuflt V, Brandon NP (2011) Development and application of an actively controlled hybrid proton exchange membrane fuel cell-lithium-ion battery laboratory test-bed based on off-the-shelf components. J Power Sources 196 801-807. doi 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.06.029... 

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells—a selection of PEM fuel cell review paper on various key components and analysis techniques. High temperature PEM fuel cells are also included. 

In February 2002, UTC Fuel Cells and Nissan signed an agreement to develop fuel cells and fuel cell components for vehicles. Renault, Nissan s alliance partner, is also participating in the development projects. UTC Fuel Cells will provide proprietary ambient-pressure proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology. 

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEM fuel cells), which use modified perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers [1—3] or acid-base polymers as membranes [4—8], usually operate at temperatures from 90 to 200 °C with low or no humidity. The development of HT-PEM fuel cells has been pursued worldwide to solve some of the problems associated with current low-temperature PEM fuel cells (LT-PEM fuel cells, usually operated at <90 °C) these include sluggish electrode kinetics, low tolerance for contaminants (e.g. carbon monoxide (CO)), and complicated water and heat management [4,5]. However, operating a PEM fuel cell at >90 °C also accelerates degradation of the fuel cell components, especially the membranes and electrocatalysts [8]. 

CSA International Component Acceptance Service No. 33 Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks (United States and Canada) lEC 62282-2 Ed. 2 (2012-03) Fuel ceU modules (International)... 

A hybrid system consisting of a fuel cell and lithium-ion battery has been successfully introduced in a pulse power load simulation similar to military electronics and communications equipment. The hybrid consists of a 35 W proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack in parallel with a lithium-ion battery. Two cycling regimes are utilized. Each consists of a baseline load for 9 min followed by a higher pulse load for 1 min. One regime consists of 20 W (baseline)/40 W (pulse) load, whereas the second is 25 W/50 W. Under both scenarios, the hybrid provides significantly enhanced performance over the individual components tested separately. 

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