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Author: Ahmed Saib Naji Al-alawi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fuel cells
Languages : en
Pages : 211
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Book Description
Using unclean fuels such as fossil fuel has many consequences including global warming and environmental pollution. Nowadays, searching for the clean, sustainable and cheap energy source is increasing. Many suggestions have been put on the table; among them, fuel cell technology represents the most promising one. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are the most common ones used widely in various applications ranging from portable batteries to the fuel cell power plants. PEMFC is still expensive, heavy and not efficient enough to be available in the markets in a cost-effective manner. The main part of the fuel cell which is involved with these problems is the bipolar plate (BPP). Therefore, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has suggested a list of requirements for the BPP to commercialize the PEMFC. Up-to-date, different types of BPP have been developed using several material types. Among these materials, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have shown great promises owing to their outstanding combination of the required proportions.In this study, CPC materials based on polycarbonate and hybrid carbon-based fillers were manufactured using three different technologies: solution casting, melt mixing with singular polymer and melt mixing with a blend of polymers. The results showed that the dispersion and distribution of the conductive filler play an important role in controlling the morphological, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the percolation threshold of the singular and hybrid filler systems and the localization of the fillers within the matrix are important factors governing various properties. The results showed that the solution casting can yield light CPCs but they do not still qualify to manufacture BPP, because of their low conductivities and poor mechanical properties. The melt mixing approach for singular polymer matrix provided a significant improvement in the conductivities and the mechanical properties over the solution casting CPCs. However, the melt mixing of the singular polymer is still challenging due to the required high filler loads. Using a plasticizer with this technology proved an effective solution toward increasing filler load and enhancing various properties. Finally, CPCs fabricated using melt mixing of polymer blends exhibited the best combination of various physical and mechanical properties suitable for BPP performance.
Author: Ahmed Saib Naji Al-alawi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fuel cells
Languages : en
Pages : 211
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Book Description
Using unclean fuels such as fossil fuel has many consequences including global warming and environmental pollution. Nowadays, searching for the clean, sustainable and cheap energy source is increasing. Many suggestions have been put on the table; among them, fuel cell technology represents the most promising one. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are the most common ones used widely in various applications ranging from portable batteries to the fuel cell power plants. PEMFC is still expensive, heavy and not efficient enough to be available in the markets in a cost-effective manner. The main part of the fuel cell which is involved with these problems is the bipolar plate (BPP). Therefore, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has suggested a list of requirements for the BPP to commercialize the PEMFC. Up-to-date, different types of BPP have been developed using several material types. Among these materials, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have shown great promises owing to their outstanding combination of the required proportions.In this study, CPC materials based on polycarbonate and hybrid carbon-based fillers were manufactured using three different technologies: solution casting, melt mixing with singular polymer and melt mixing with a blend of polymers. The results showed that the dispersion and distribution of the conductive filler play an important role in controlling the morphological, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the percolation threshold of the singular and hybrid filler systems and the localization of the fillers within the matrix are important factors governing various properties. The results showed that the solution casting can yield light CPCs but they do not still qualify to manufacture BPP, because of their low conductivities and poor mechanical properties. The melt mixing approach for singular polymer matrix provided a significant improvement in the conductivities and the mechanical properties over the solution casting CPCs. However, the melt mixing of the singular polymer is still challenging due to the required high filler loads. Using a plasticizer with this technology proved an effective solution toward increasing filler load and enhancing various properties. Finally, CPCs fabricated using melt mixing of polymer blends exhibited the best combination of various physical and mechanical properties suitable for BPP performance.
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 4
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Book Description
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCS) are under widespread development to produce electrical power for a variety of stationary and transportation applications. To date, the bipolar plate remains the most problematic and costly component of PEFC stacks (1). In addition to meeting cost constraints, bipolar plates must possess a host of other properties, the most important of which are listed in Table 1. The most commonly used material for single cell testing is machined graphite, which is expensive and costly to machine. The brittle nature of graphite also precludes the use of thin components for reducing stack size and weight, which is particularly important for transportation applications. Other stack designs consider the use of metal hardware such as stainless steel (2,3). But a number of disadvantages are associated with stainless steel, including high density, high cost of machining, and possible corrosion in the fuel cell environment. In light of these difficulties, much of the recent work on fuel cell bipolar plate materials has concentrated on graphite/polymer composites (4--8). Composite materials offer the potential advantages of lower cost, lower weight, and greater ease of manufacture than traditional graphite and metal plates. For instance, flow fields can be molded directly into these composites, thereby eliminating the costly and difficult machining step required for graphite or metal hardware.
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.
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.
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
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.
Author: Maxwell Myers
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
Hydrogen fuel cells use a chemical reaction to produce energy, yielding only water and heat as byproducts. One fuel cell yields a small amount of energy, but a stack of fuel cells can power cars, trains, or any multitude of other devices. Bipolar plates are the parts of the fuel cell that provide structure to the cell and stacks of fuel cells. They are commonly machined from steel or graphite. These materials are rigid to support stacks of cells yet also conductive to route energy for use in applications. Hydrogen fuel cells are underused in commercial settings in part due to the high cost of these materials and machining practices used to manufacture them. Reducing the cost of manufacturing would make hydrogen fuel cells more accessible. Previous research has shown that an injection-moldable blend of nylon and nickel-coated carbon fibers meets Department of Energy (DOE) standards for bipolar plate conductivity. However, the manufacturing process largely shapes the material properties of any part. Refining the injection molding process could increase the conductivity of future plates. One factor that contributed to the conductivity of the plates is the average angle of the carbon fibers throughout the plate. Analyzing the relationship between different fiber angles, molding practices, and conductivity would allow for more conductive plates to be made. However, the average angle is very difficult to obtain and verify experimentally. Thousands of fibers through hundreds of images must be analyzed to determine the angle of the fibers, taking weeks of research time. This research develops an image processing program to reduce the analysis time to mere minutes with minimal penalty to accuracy. The program uses MATLAB Image Processing toolkit to distinguish fibers from the surrounding polymer and image artifacts to create a measure of average fiber angle accurate to previous research.
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
Author: Enid Keil Sichel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Carbon composites
Languages : en
Pages : 230
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Book Description
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Carbon fibers
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
On account of their lightweight, low-cost, corrosion resistance, and good formability, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) are promising for the production bipolar plate (BP) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). However, a high conductive filler loading is needed to impart the required level of electrical conductivity to the insulating polymer matrix and as a consequence, the toughness of the plate deteriorates considerably. By using immiscible blend of polymers that have complementary hardness and ductility as matrix, with conducting multi-fillers of different morphologies, it is possible to optimize the matrix strength characteristics and favour the formation of conducting network to produce CPC meeting BP performance standards. Of course, a lot will depend on the formulation of the most favourable composition and production variables.
