Development of Hybrid Composite Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Development of Hybrid Composite Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells PDF Author: Nathaniel James Richie
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Composite materials
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description
"Bipolar plates are one of the most expensive components of a PEM fuel cell and by far the heaviest. Bipolar plates are responsible for providing flow fields for reaction gases, acting as current collectors for electrons liberated during the chemical reaction inside the cell, and providing structural support for the fuel cell stack. Current PEM fuel cell bipolar plate technology is built on the use of sintered graphite which is costly and requires time-consuming machining. Furthermore, due to the brittle nature of graphite, plates must be made relatively thick which adds significant weight and volume to larger stacks, such as those required for automobiles. Hybrid composite bipolar plates were developed with the goal of providing an alternative material which offers sufficient conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. A conductive resin system using epoxy, polyaniline, carbon black, and milled carbon fibers was developed to serve as a matrix for continuous carbon fiber reinforcement which enhanced both strength and conductivity above what is possible to achieve through the use of chopped fibers. The developed conductive resin system showed a high glass transition temperature (above 180°C) and tensile strength greater than or equal to 41 MPa. The developed hybrid composite material showed conductivity greater than 100 S/cm and excellent tensile and flexural strength, far exceeding industry targets"--Abstract, leaf iii.

Development of Hybrid Composite Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Development of Hybrid Composite Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells PDF Author: Nathaniel James Richie
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Composite materials
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description
"Bipolar plates are one of the most expensive components of a PEM fuel cell and by far the heaviest. Bipolar plates are responsible for providing flow fields for reaction gases, acting as current collectors for electrons liberated during the chemical reaction inside the cell, and providing structural support for the fuel cell stack. Current PEM fuel cell bipolar plate technology is built on the use of sintered graphite which is costly and requires time-consuming machining. Furthermore, due to the brittle nature of graphite, plates must be made relatively thick which adds significant weight and volume to larger stacks, such as those required for automobiles. Hybrid composite bipolar plates were developed with the goal of providing an alternative material which offers sufficient conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. A conductive resin system using epoxy, polyaniline, carbon black, and milled carbon fibers was developed to serve as a matrix for continuous carbon fiber reinforcement which enhanced both strength and conductivity above what is possible to achieve through the use of chopped fibers. The developed conductive resin system showed a high glass transition temperature (above 180°C) and tensile strength greater than or equal to 41 MPa. The developed hybrid composite material showed conductivity greater than 100 S/cm and excellent tensile and flexural strength, far exceeding industry targets"--Abstract, leaf iii.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells PDF Author: Inamuddin
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111982933X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS Edited by one of the most well-respected and prolific engineers in the world and his team, this book provides a comprehensive overview of hydrogen production, conversion, and storage, offering the scientific literature a comprehensive coverage of this important fuel. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are among the most anticipated stationary clean energy devices in renewable and alternative energy. Despite the appreciable improvement in their cost and durability, which are the two major commercialization barriers, their availability has not matched demand. This is mainly due to the use of expensive metal-catalyst, less durable membranes, and poor insight into the ongoing phenomena inside proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Efforts are being made to optimize the use of precious metals as catalyst layers or find alternatives that can be durable for more than 5000 hours. Computational models are also being developed and studied to get an insight into the shortcomings and provide solutions. The announcement by various companies that they will be producing proton exchange membrane fuel cells-based cars by 2025 has accelerated the current research on proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The breakthrough is urgently needed. The membranes, catalysts, polymer electrolytes, and especially the understanding of diffusion layers, need thorough revision and improvement to achieve the target. This exciting breakthrough volume explores these challenges and offers solutions for the industry. Whether for the student, veteran engineer, new hire, or other industry professionals, this is a must-have for any library.

Highly Conductive Epoxy/graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

Highly Conductive Epoxy/graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells PDF Author: Ling Du
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Epoxy compounds
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
"In this work, highly conductive carbon-filled epoxy composites were developed for manufacturing bipolar plates in porton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These composites were prepared by solution intercalation mixing, followed by compression molding and curing. The in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivity, thermal and mechanical properties, gas barrier properties, and hygrothermal characteristics were determined as a function of carbon-filler type and content. For this purpose, expanded graphite and carbon black were used as a synergistic combination. Mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic epoxy resin were used as the polymer matrix to capitalize on the ductility of the aliphatic epoxy and chemical stability of the aromatic epoxy. The composites showed high glass transition temperatures (Tg ~ 180°C), high thermal degradation temperatures (T2 ~ 415°C), and in-plane conductivity of 200-500 S/cm with carbon fillers as low as 50 wt%. These composites also showed strong mechanical properties, such as flexural modulus, flexural strength, and impact strength, which either met or exceeded the targets. In addition, these composites showed excellent thermal conductivity greater than 50 W/m/K, small values of linear coefficient of thermal expansion and dramatically reduced oxygen permeation rate. The values of mechanical and thermal properties and electrical conductivity of the composites did not change upon exposure to boiling water, aqueous sulfuric acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution, indicating that the composites provided long-term reliability and durability under PEM fuel cell operating conditions. Experimental data show that the composites developed in this study are suitable for application as bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells."--Abstract.

PEM Fuel Cells

PEM Fuel Cells PDF Author: Gurbinder Kaur
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128237090
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 584

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Book Description
PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells PDF Author: David P. Wilkinson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439806667
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 462

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Book Description
A Detailed, Up-to-Date Treatment of Key Developments in PEMFC MaterialsThe potential to revolutionize the way we power our worldBecause 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 o

Carbon-Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate for Pem Fuel Cell

Carbon-Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate for Pem Fuel Cell PDF Author: Biraj Kr. Kakati
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
ISBN: 9783846503119
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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Book Description
Considerable efforts are being given to develop commercially viable technologies in order to alleviate the dependence on hydrocarbons as well as to reduce carbon dioxide emission by the use of fossil fuel. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has emerged as one of the most promising clean energy technology for residential and automotive applications. The high power density, low operating temperature, convenient fuel supply, longer lifetime, and modularity are the attractive features of PEMFC. This book covers the detailed methodology for development and characterization of composite bipolar plate for PEMFC. It also includes the methodology for synthesis and characterization of graphene. The synthesized monolayer graphene was used as one of the reinforcements for the composite bipolar plate. The state of the art for development and performance evaluation of PEMFC is discussed in detail. The information presented in this book will be helpful to the researchers, academicians, and manufacturers for the development of the composite bipolar plate for PEMFC.

Next Generation Bipolar Plates for Automotive PEM Fuel Cells

Next Generation Bipolar Plates for Automotive PEM Fuel Cells PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The results of a successful U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) funded two-year $2.9 MM program lead by GrafTech International Inc. (GrafTech) are reported and summarized. The program goal was to develop the next generation of high temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell bipolar plates for use in transportation fuel cell applications operating at temperatures up to 120 °C. The bipolar plate composite developed during the program is based on GrafTech's GRAFCELL resin impregnated flexible graphite technology and makes use of a high temperature Huntsman Advanced Materials resin system which extends the upper use temperature of the composite to the DoE target. High temperature performance of the new composite is achieved with the added benefit of improvements in strength, modulus, and dimensional stability over the incumbent resin systems. Other physical properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity of the new composite are identical to or not adversely affected by the new resin system. Using the new bipolar plate composite system, machined plates were fabricated and tested in high temperature single-cell fuel cells operating at 120 °C for over 1100 hours by Case Western Reserve University. Final verification of performance was done on embossed full-size plates which were fabricated and glued into bipolar plates by GrafTech. Stack testing was done on a 10-cell full-sized stack under a simulated drive cycle protocol by Ballard Power Systems. Freeze-thaw performance was conducted by Ballard on a separate 5-cell stack and shown to be within specification. A third stack was assembled and shipped to Argonne National Laboratory for independent performance verification. Manufacturing cost estimate for the production of the new bipolar plate composite at current and high volume production scenarios was performed by Directed Technologies Inc. (DTI). The production cost estimates were consistent with previous DoE cost estimates performed by DTI for the DoE on metal plates. The final result of DTI's analysis for the high volume manufacturing scenario ($6.85 /kW) came in slightly above the DoE target of $3 to $5/kW. This estimate was derived using a "Best Case Scenario" for many of the production process steps and raw material costs with projections to high volumes. Some of the process improvements assumed in this "Best Case Scenario" including high speed high impact forming and solvent-less resins, have not yet been implemented, but have a high probability of potential success.

Expanded Graphite Composite Based Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cell

Expanded Graphite Composite Based Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cell PDF Author: Munu Borah
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783659920738
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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Book Description


High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells PDF Author: Qingfeng Li
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319170821
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 561

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Book Description
This book is a comprehensive review of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs are the preferred fuel cells for a variety of applications such as automobiles, cogeneration of heat and power units, emergency power and portable electronics. The first 5 chapters of the book describe rationalization and illustration of approaches to high temperature PEM systems. Chapters 6 - 13 are devoted to fabrication, optimization and characterization of phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membranes, the very first electrolyte system that has demonstrated the concept of and motivated extensive research activity in the field. The last 11 chapters summarize the state-of-the-art of technological development of high temperature-PEMFCs based on acid doped PBI membranes including catalysts, electrodes, MEAs, bipolar plates, modelling, stacking, diagnostics and applications.

Handbook of Batteries and Fuel Cells

Handbook of Batteries and Fuel Cells PDF Author: David Linden
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1118

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Book Description