Clean energy technologies are poised to play an important role in overcoming fossil fuel exhaustion and global pollution. Among these technologies, electrochemical energy storage and conversion are considered to be the most feasible, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are prime examples of electrochemical energy conversion technologies in action. Believed to be ideal sources of clean power, PEM fuel cells are replacing internal combustion and diesel engines in vehicles, as well as Pb-acid batteries and diesel generators in the emergency backup of telecommunications base stations and computer centers.
Written by an industry-leading scientist, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells explains the theoretical foundations of PEM fuel cells in relation to practical design and operation to not only help beginners grasp the essentials, but also guide industry professionals in tackling technical challenges. Useful to scientists, researchers, students, academics, and practicing engineers, the book covers the fundamentals, materials, components, modules, system architecture, applications, and current developmental status; offers real-world examples; and provides insight into advancing this sustainable clean technology.
Preface
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Fuel Cells
Types of Fuel Cells
Advantages of Fuel Cells
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Membrane
Catalyst
Catalyst Layer
Gas Diffusion Medium
Microporous Layer
Membrane Electrode Assembly
Plate
Single Cell
Stack
System
Cell Voltage Monitoring Module (CVM)
Fuel Supply Module (FSM)
Air Supply Module (ASM)
Exhaust Management Module (EMM)
Heat Management Module (HMM)
Water Management Module (WMM)
Internal Power Supply Module (IPM)
Power Conditioning Module (PCM)
Communications Module (COM)
Controls Module (CM)
Summary
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Theoretical Efficiency
Voltage
Polarization
Tafel Equation
Voltage Loss due to H2 Crossover at Open Circuit
Example
Limiting Current Density
Diffusion
Porous Electrode
Flooded Electrode
Achievable Current Density and Power Density
Impact of Ionomer on 3-Phase Boundary
System Efficiency
Water Balance
Thoughts on Ultra-Thin Catalyst Layers
Startup and Shutdown Strategies
Impacts of OCV and Air/Fuel Boundary
Strategies
N2 Purge
H2 Purge
H2 Diffusion
Filling Stack Enclosure with H2
Summary
Hydrogen H2
Property of H2
Generation of H2
Reforming of Hydrocarbons and Alcohols
Cracking of Ammonia
Electrolysis of Water
Efficiency
Internal Pressurization
Proton Onsite PEM Electrolyzer
Chemical Sources
Metals
Metal Hydrides
Hydrogen Storage
Compressed Gas
Metal Hydride
Hydrogen Transportation and Refueling
Summary
Evaluation
Catalyst
Composition
Size and Size Distribution
Crystallite Size
Surface Area
Activity
Cyclic Voltammetry
Membrane
Proton Conductivity
Water Content
Durability
Dimensional Changes
GDM
Electronic Conductivity
Hydrophobicity
Porosity
Plate
Conductivity
Density and Permeability
Corrosion Current
MEA
Catalyst Loading
Electrochemical Active Surface Area
H2 Crossover
Single Cell
V-I Curve
Durability Assessment
Load Cycling
Temperature Cycling
Poisoning Tolerance
Stack
Performance and Durability
Startup Rate and Subzero Temperature Challenge
Balance-of-Plant (BOP)
DC-DC Converter
Air Supply Device
Liquid Pump
Heat Exchanger
Solenoid Valve
Controls Board
Flow Meter and Sensor
Internal Power Supply
System
Summary
Stationary Power
Backup Power
Telecommunications Station
Fuel Cell System with Air-Cooled Stack
System Architecture
Fuel Cell System with Ballard FCgen-1020ACS Stack
Ballard FCgen-1020ACS Stack and Fuel Cell System
Tests
ReliOn Fuel Cell Systems
Fuel Cell System with Liquid-Cooled Stack
Features of 5 kW System
Stack from Sunrise Power
Breadboard System
Fuel Cell System
Primary Power
Fuel Processing
Desulfurization
Steam Reforming
Wager-Gas Shift Reaction
Preferential Oxidation
Steam Reforming Methanol
IdaTech/Ballard Systems
Summary
Motive Power
Fuel Cell Vehicles
Vehicle Power Requirement
Driving Distance with 6 kg H2
Electrical Power Train
Fuel Cell System
Examples
Tourist Cart
Car
Forklift
Shanghai Shenli System
Plug Power System
Data of Some Fuel Cell Vehicles
Vehicle Test Procedures
Summary
Portable Power
Volumetric Energy Density of Various Fuels
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Conventional DMFC System Architecture
DMFC System Using Neat Methanol by MTI Micro Fuel Cells
How to Make It Work
DMFC Charger
DMFC Systems Developed by SFC Energy
Summary
Perspectives
Status and Targets
DOE Funding
CHP System
Cars and Buses
H2 Storage
Portable System
Challenges
Perspectives
References
Appendix 1: Terminology
Appendix 2: Brief Introduction to Fuel Cell Developers
Subject Index
Bio
Biography
Zhigong Qi is Wuhan Intepower Fuel Cells Co. (China) CEO, Knowledge Foundation (US) technical advisor, China Fuel Cell & Flow Battery committee member, Hubei Province Fuel Cell committee member (China), and chief scientist/manager of two "863" projects (China). He holds a B.Sc and M.Sc from University of Science and Technology Beijing, M.Sc from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Ph.D from McGill University. He has authored 56 journal articles, 6 book chapters, 9 US and 7 Chinese patents, delivered nearly 30 invited presentations worldwide, and been affiliated with H Power Corp., Plug Power, MTI Micro Fuel Cells, and Wuhan Intepower Co.
"This book covers the essentials of theory, with a focus on providing tools and techniques engineers can use during the design process. This is a balance that can only be achieved by the author’s extensive industry experience and credentials."
––Chuck Carlstrom, R & D Director, Lydall, Manchester, Connecticut, USA; Former Director of Stack Development at Plug Power, Latham, New York, USA"This book is written by a scientist with broad knowledge of PEM fuel cells, ranging from the fundamental chemistry to commercial development and applications. …Its unique insider’s perspective displays an intimate knowledge of PEM fuel cell systems, testing methods, and commercial requirements."
––Professor Peter G. Pickup, Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada"…this book apparently helps not only newcomers but also experts for their technology review."
––Dr. Fumio Ueno, Chairman of IEC Technical Committee 105: Fuel Cell Technologies; Technology Executive, Micro Fuel Cell Display Devices & Components Control Center, Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan"The author combines a clear and thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of fuel cells with a sound application of these to the practical considerations and challenges of designing and operating fuel cell systems for a variety of applications."
––Dr. John F. Elter, President of Sustainable Systems LLC, Albany, New York, USA; Former Vice-President and CTO at Plug Power, Latham, New York, USA"…it is a good reference for all levels of fuel cell developers. …The analysis on key issues for PEMFC applications is in-depth and thorough."
––Dr. Hao Tang, Chief Scientist, R&D Director, Alternative Energy Institute, China Eastern Electric Corp., Sichuan, China"It provides information useful to beginners and experienced researchers alike. …It is a more comprehensive book [than] I have ever seen."
––Professor Pucheng Pei, Director, Institute of Automotive Power, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China