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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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


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.

Method of Producing Exfoliated Graphite Composite Compositions for Fuel Cell Flow Field Plates

Method of Producing Exfoliated Graphite Composite Compositions for Fuel Cell Flow Field Plates PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
A method of producing an electrically conductive composite composition, which is particularly useful for fuel cell bipolar plate applications. The method comprises: (a) providing a supply of expandable graphite powder; (b) providing a supply of a non-expandable powder component comprising a binder or matrix material; (c) blending the expandable graphite with the non-expandable powder component to form a powder mixture wherein the non-expandable powder component is in the amount of between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the powder mixture; (d) exposing the powder mixture to a temperature sufficient for exfoliating the expandable graphite to obtain a compressible mixture comprising expanded graphite worms and the non-expandable component; (e) compressing the compressible mixture at a pressure within the range of from about 5 psi to about 50,000 psi in predetermined directions into predetermined forms of cohered graphite composite compact; and (f) treating the so-formed cohered graphite composite to activate the binder or matrix material thereby promoting adhesion within the compact to produce the desired composite composition. Preferably, the non-expandable powder component further comprises an isotropy-promoting agent such as non-expandable graphite particles. Further preferably, step (e) comprises compressing the mixture in at least two directions. The method leads to composite plates with exceptionally high thickness-direction electrical conductivity.

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

Materials for Fuel Cells

Materials for Fuel Cells PDF Author: M Gasik
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 184569483X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 513

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Book Description
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a reaction (between fuel and oxidant) directly into electricity. Given their efficiency and low emissions, fuel cells provide an important alternative to power produced from fossil fuels. A major challenge in their use is the need for better materials to make fuel cells cost-effective and more durable. This important book reviews developments in materials to fulfil the potential of fuel cells as a major power source. After introductory chapters on the key issues in fuel cell materials research, the book reviews the major types of fuel cell. These include alkaline fuel cells, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells and regenerative fuel cells. The book concludes with reviews of novel fuel cell materials, ways of analysing performance and issues affecting recyclability and life cycle assessment. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Materials for fuel cells is a valuable reference for all those researching, manufacturing and using fuel cells in such areas as automotive engineering. Examines the key issues in fuel cell materials research Reviews the major types of fuel cells such as direct methanol and regenerative fuel cells Further chapters explore ways of analysing performance and issues affecting recyclability and life cycle assessment

Laminated Exfoliated Graphite Composite-metal Compositions for Fuel Cell Flow Field Plate Or Bipolar Plate Applications

Laminated Exfoliated Graphite Composite-metal Compositions for Fuel Cell Flow Field Plate Or Bipolar Plate Applications PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
An electrically conductive laminate composition for fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate applications. The laminate composition comprises at least a thin metal sheet having two opposed exterior surfaces and a first exfoliated graphite composite sheet bonded to the first of the two exterior surfaces of the metal sheet wherein the exfoliated graphite composite sheet comprises: (a) expanded or exfoliated graphite and (b) a binder or matrix material to bond the expanded graphite for forming a cohered sheet, wherein the binder or matrix material is between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the first exfoliated graphite composite sheet. Preferably, the first exfoliated graphite composite sheet further comprises particles of non-expandable graphite or carbon in the amount of between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the non-expandable particles and the expanded graphite. Further preferably, the laminate comprises a second exfoliated graphite composite sheet bonded to the second surface of the metal sheet to form a three-layer laminate. Surface flow channels and other desired geometric features can be built onto the exterior surfaces of the laminate to form a flow field plate or bipolar plate. The resulting laminate has an exceptionally high thickness-direction conductivity and excellent resistance to gas permeation.

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.

Bio-inspired Design, Fabrication and Testing of Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cells

Bio-inspired Design, Fabrication and Testing of Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cells PDF Author: Nannan Guo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biomimetics
Languages : en
Pages : 173

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Book Description
"The flow field of a bipolar plate distributes reactants for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and removes the produced water from the fuel cells. It greatly influences the performance of fuel cells, especially the concentration losses. Two approaches were developed to improve flow field designs in this dissertation. One is inspired by the biological circulatory structures and called bio-inspired designs, which have great potential to transport reactant efficiently and hence improve fuel cell performance. Another way is using a network-based optimization model to optimize the conventional flow field configurations, i.e., pin-type, parallel and serpentine designs, to improve flow distributions within the channels. A three-dimensional, two-phase numerical model was developed to investigate the mass, velocity and pressure distributions within the different flow fields and also the final fuel cell performance. Selective Laser Sintering, which provides a cost- and time-efficient way to build parts with complicated geometries, was used to fabricate graphite composite bipolar plates with these developed designs. Different graphite materials, including natural graphite, synthetic graphite, carbon black, and carbon fiber, were investigated in order to achieve higher electrical conductivity and flexural strength of the fabricated bipolar plates. Experimental testing of the PEM fuel cells with these fabricated bipolar plates was carried out to verify the numerical model and compare the performance for different flow field designs. Both the numerical and experimental results demonstrated that the bio-inspired designs and the optimized designs could substantially improve the fuel cell performance compared to the traditional designs"--Abstract, page iv.

PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis

PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis PDF Author: Jiujun Zhang
Publisher: Newnes
ISBN: 0444536892
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 391

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Book Description
PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis covers the recent advances in PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell systems, focusing on instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis, and the application of diagnostic techniques in practical tests and operation. This book is a unique source of electrochemical techniques for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the area of fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are currently considered the most promising clean energy-converting devices for stationary, transportation, and micro-power applications due to their high energy density, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. To advance research and development of this emerging technology, testing and diagnosis are an essential combined step. This book aids those efforts, addressing effects of humidity, temperature and pressure on fuel cells, degradation and failure analysis, and design and assembly of MEAs, single cells and stacks. Provides fundamental and theoretical principles for PEM fuel cell testing and diagnosis. Comprehensive source for selecting techniques, experimental designs and data analysis Analyzes PEM fuel cell degradation and failure mechanisms, and suggests failure mitigation strategies Provides principles for selecting PEM fuel cell key materials to improve durability

Fuel Cell Engines

Fuel Cell Engines PDF Author: Matthew M. Mench
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0471689580
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 530

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Book Description
Fuel Cell Engines is an introduction to the fundamental principles of electrochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, material science and transport applied specifically to fuel cells. It covers scientific fundamentals and provides a basic understanding that enables proper technical decision-making.