Proton exchange membrane fuel cell transportation applications

Ford Motor Company. (1997). Direct Ilydrogcn-Fuclcd Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System for Transportation Applications Hydrogen Vehicle... 

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. 

Ford Motor Co., Direct-hydrogen-fueled proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system for transportation applications hydrogen vehicle safety report, D.T. Inc., ed., Arlington,VA (1997). 

To develop an independent cost model for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems for transportation applications and to assess cost reduction strategies for year 2000 to 2004 development programs. 

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are among the most promising clean power system technologies being developed for transportation applications. The introduction of this new... 

A.N. Khallan, LA4. Sanchez, C. Kodiweera, S.G. Greenbaum, Z. Bai, T.D. Dang, Water and proton transport properties of hexafluotinated sulfonated poly(arylenethioethersulfone) copolymers for applications to proton exchange membrane fuel cells, J. Power Sources 173 (2007) 853—859. 

Another application of SOFC systems is in the transportation sector. As for portable applications, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is generally regarded as the fuel cell of choice for transportation applications, particularly for propulsion to replace the internal combustion engine. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells require pure hydrogen, with no carbon monoxide. 

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are one of the key materials in low-temperature fuel cells proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMECs). Especially, recent trend in the research and development of low-temperamre fuel cells focuses on PEMFCs for transportation (electric vehicle) applications due to the impact on economy and environment. The most important role of PEMs is to transport protons formed as a product of oxidation reaction of fuels at the anode to the cathode, where oxygen reduction reaction takes place to produce water. In addition to this, there are a number of requirements for PEM materials for the practical fuel cell applications, which include... 

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The operating temperature is around 80°C. Cold start, below 0°C, is possible. For transport applications, the PEMFC is the fuel cell of choice. The capability of the fuel cell to operate outside the operating window without a significant irreversible loss of performance. 

PEM fuel cells have emerged as the most common type of fuel cell under development today. As stated above, they also are commonly referred to as proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on the key characteristic of the solid electrolyte membrane to transfer protons from the anode to the cathode. The solid electrolyte avoids problems caused by liquid electrolytes used in other systems, and the temperature range of <100°C enables rapid start-up under low temperature operation, with operation possible down to subfreezing temperatures. The lower temperature also allows a wider range of materials to be used and enables relatively easy stack design in terms of sealing issues and material selection. This type of fuel cell is the most feasible for use under transportation applications. 

Rebai, M., and Prat, M., 2009, Scale effect and two-phase flow in a thin hydrophobic porous layer. Application to water transport in gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cells , J. Power Sources, 192 (2) pp. 534. 

Contaminant ingress within the cathode compartment of proton exchange membrane fuel cells fueled by hydrogen, the preferred system for automotive applications and the most technically challenging, represented the focus of this analysis. Therefore, proton exchange manhrane fuel cells based on other fuels, such as methanol and reformate, were excluded from the present analysis to focus the discussion. For these other fuels, additional contamination routes (contaminant leaching in the liquid methanol solution fuel followed by dissolution in the ionomer and transport to the cathode, etc.) and contaminants (CO, CO, CH, etc.) exist. 

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