Fuel cell presentation

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hydrogen Fuel Cell TechnologyTechnology

Presented byPresented by Virat V. DhabaliaVirat V. Dhabalia

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGYFUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

Technology overviewTechnology overview Introduction of fuel cellIntroduction of fuel cell Fuel cell workingFuel cell working Types of fuel cellTypes of fuel cell Application of fuel cell technologyApplication of fuel cell technology Benefits of FCTBenefits of FCT Challenges to FCTChallenges to FCT

Importance of Fuel cellImportance of Fuel cell

Full cells are now Full cells are now on the verge of on the verge of being introduced being introduced commercially, commercially, revolutionizing the revolutionizing the way we presently way we presently produce power.produce power.

Importance of Fuel cellImportance of Fuel cell

The fuel cell uses chemical energy rather The fuel cell uses chemical energy rather than combustion to generate electric than combustion to generate electric power.power.

It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient process and supplying the world with process and supplying the world with clean, sustainable electrical power.clean, sustainable electrical power.

Introduction to Fuel CellIntroduction to Fuel Cell

Fuel cells generate power through an Fuel cells generate power through an electrochemical process, much like a electrochemical process, much like a battery, but does not require recharging.battery, but does not require recharging.

They convert chemical energy to They convert chemical energy to electrical energy by combining hydrogen electrical energy by combining hydrogen from fuel with oxygen from the air.from fuel with oxygen from the air.

Introduction to Fuel CellIntroduction to Fuel Cell

Fuel cell is an electrical cell which unlike Fuel cell is an electrical cell which unlike storage cells can be continuously fed storage cells can be continuously fed with a fuel so that the electrical power with a fuel so that the electrical power output is sustained indefinitelyoutput is sustained indefinitely

As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell will produce both energy and heat.will produce both energy and heat.

Fuel cell StructureFuel cell Structure

Working of Fuel cellWorking of Fuel cell

The electrolyte is separated by two The electrolyte is separated by two catalysts as anode and cathode. catalysts as anode and cathode.

The electrolyte allows the protons to pass The electrolyte allows the protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the through to the cathode, but not the electrons.electrons.

Instead the electrons are directed Instead the electrons are directed through an external circuit which creates through an external circuit which creates electrical current.electrical current.


In a Fuel cell, two half-cell reactions take In a Fuel cell, two half-cell reactions take place simultaneously, an oxidation reaction place simultaneously, an oxidation reaction (loss of electrons) at the anode and a (loss of electrons) at the anode and a reduction reaction (gain of electrons) at the reduction reaction (gain of electrons) at the cathode.cathode.

These two reactions make up the total These two reactions make up the total oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction of the oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction of the fuel cell, the formation of water from fuel cell, the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen.hydrogen and oxygen.



While the electrons pass through the While the electrons pass through the external circuit, oxygen molecules pass external circuit, oxygen molecules pass through the cathode.through the cathode.

There the oxygen and the protons combine There the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons after they have passed with the electrons after they have passed through the external circuit.through the external circuit.

When the oxygen and the protons combine When the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons it produces water and with the electrons it produces water and heat.heat.

Membrane technologyMembrane technology

As in a fuel cell, the anode and cathode are As in a fuel cell, the anode and cathode are separated by an electrolyte, which allows separated by an electrolyte, which allows ions to be transferred from one side to the ions to be transferred from one side to the other. other.

The electrolyte in a fuel cell is a solid acid The electrolyte in a fuel cell is a solid acid supported within the supported within the membranemembrane..

The solid acid electrolyte is saturated with The solid acid electrolyte is saturated with water so that the transport of ions can water so that the transport of ions can proceed.proceed.

Stacking of fuel cellStacking of fuel cell

Individual fuel cell can actually producedIndividual fuel cell can actually produced

0.6 V to 0.7 V (theoretically 1.22 V).0.6 V to 0.7 V (theoretically 1.22 V). Individual fuel cells can be placed in a Individual fuel cells can be placed in a

series and to produce require voltage, is series and to produce require voltage, is called stacking of fuel cell.called stacking of fuel cell.

The stack can be used in a system to The stack can be used in a system to power a vehicle or to provide stationary power a vehicle or to provide stationary power to a building.power to a building.

Types of Fuel CellsTypes of Fuel Cells

In general all fuel cells have the same In general all fuel cells have the same basic configuration - an electrolyte and basic configuration - an electrolyte and two electrodestwo electrodes

Different types of fuel cells are classified Different types of fuel cells are classified by the kind of electrolyte usedby the kind of electrolyte used

The type of electrolyte used determines The type of electrolyte used determines the kind of chemical reactions that take the kind of chemical reactions that take place and the temperature range of place and the temperature range of operationoperation


Proton Exchange Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel CellMembrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)(PEMFC) Electrolyte: water-Electrolyte: water-

based, acidic polymer based, acidic polymer membrane membrane

Operate at relatively Operate at relatively low temperatures low temperatures (below 100°C) (below 100°C)

Efficiency: 35 - 60%Efficiency: 35 - 60%


Types of Fuel CellsTypes of Fuel CellsFuel Cell

typeElectrolyte Anode

gas

Cathode gas

Temperature oC

Efficiency %

Proton Ex. Membrane

(PEM)

Solid polymer

membrane

Hydrogen Pure or Atm. Oxygen

75 35 - 60

Alkaline

(AFC)

Potassium Hydroxide

Hydrogen Pure Oxygen

< 80 50 - 70

Direct Methanol (

DMFC)

Solid polymer

membrane

Methanol solved in

Water

Atm.

Oxygen

75 35 - 40

Phosphoric Acid (PAFC)

Phosphorus Hydrogen Atm.

Oxygen

210 35 - 50

Molten Carbonate

(MCFC)

Alkali Carbonate

Hydrogen / Methane

Atm.

Oxygen

650 40 - 55

Solid Oxide ( SOFC)

Ceramic Oxides

Hydrogen / Methane

Atm.

Oxygen

800 - 1000 45 - 60

Importance of HydrogenImportance of Hydrogen

Fuel Cells require highly purified Fuel Cells require highly purified hydrogen as a fuel.hydrogen as a fuel.

Researchers are developing a wide Researchers are developing a wide range of technologies to produce range of technologies to produce hydrogen economically from a variety of hydrogen economically from a variety of resources in environmentally friendly resources in environmentally friendly waysways

Importance of HydrogenImportance of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a secondary energy Hydrogen is a secondary energy resource, meaning it must be made from resource, meaning it must be made from another fuelanother fuel

Hydrogen can be produced from a wide Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of energy resources including:variety of energy resources including: Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coalFossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal Nuclear energyNuclear energy Renewable resources, such as solar,water, Renewable resources, such as solar,water,

wind and biomass wind and biomass

Application of fuel cellApplication of fuel cell

Transportation – No pollutionTransportation – No pollution Stationary power generationStationary power generation Residential power generationResidential power generation Portable power – Miniature Fuel Cells Portable power – Miniature Fuel Cells Land fill Waste treatment – Power from Land fill Waste treatment – Power from

Methane Methane Micro power generationMicro power generation Military applicationMilitary application


Transportation Transportation All major automakers are All major automakers are

working to commercialize a working to commercialize a fuel cell car.fuel cell car.

50 fuel cell buses are 50 fuel cell buses are currently in use in North and currently in use in North and South America, Europe, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.Asia and Australia.

Trains, planes, boats, Trains, planes, boats, scooters, forklifts and even scooters, forklifts and even bicycles are utilizing fuel cell bicycles are utilizing fuel cell technology as well.technology as well.


Stationary Power StationsStationary Power Stations Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been

installed all over the world in hospitals, installed all over the world in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, schools and utility power plants.schools and utility power plants.

In large-scale building systems, fuel cells In large-scale building systems, fuel cells can reduce facility energy service costs by can reduce facility energy service costs by 20% to 40% over conventional energy 20% to 40% over conventional energy service.service.


Residential Fuel CellsResidential Fuel Cells Up to Up to 1 kW to 7 kW1 kW to 7 kW Being demonstrated Being demonstrated

worldwide – Japan the worldwide – Japan the leaderleader

Fueled by natural gas, Fueled by natural gas, propane or methanolpropane or methanol

Primary and/or backup Primary and/or backup powerpower

Combined Heat & Power Combined Heat & Power (CHP)(CHP)


Space craftSpace craft APPOLO space craft – PEMFCAPPOLO space craft – PEMFC ORBITAL space craft – AFCORBITAL space craft – AFC

Landfills and Waste Water TreatmentLandfills and Waste Water Treatment Providing a valid technology for reducing Providing a valid technology for reducing

emissions and generating power from the emissions and generating power from the methane gas they produce. methane gas they produce.


Micro PowerMicro Power Cell phones can be Cell phones can be

powered for 30 days powered for 30 days without rechargingwithout recharging

Laptops can be Laptops can be powered for 20 hours powered for 20 hours without rechargingwithout recharging


Military ApplicationsMilitary Applications Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Soldier portable powerSoldier portable power Silent camp/Silent watch capabilitiesSilent camp/Silent watch capabilities Submarines/WarshipsSubmarines/Warships

FUEL CELL VEHICLEFUEL CELL VEHICLE

Working of Fuel cell Working of Fuel cell vehiclevehicle

Fuel cell vehicleFuel cell vehicle

Honda FCXHonda FCX 300 mile range300 mile range Currently leased Currently leased

for $600/monthfor $600/month Mass production Mass production

by 2018by 2018

Toyota FINE-SToyota FINE-S 450+ mile range450+ mile range Currently leased Currently leased

for for $1000/month $1000/month Progress in cost Progress in cost

reductionreduction

Benefits of FCTBenefits of FCT

Fuel cell: Naturally CleanerFuel cell: Naturally Cleaner Low / Zero EmissionsLow / Zero Emissions Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are the Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are the

least polluting of all vehicle.least polluting of all vehicle. Reduces carbon Dioxide emissions by more Reduces carbon Dioxide emissions by more

than 3.5 million pounds per year (using than 3.5 million pounds per year (using natural gas)natural gas)


Physical SecurityPhysical Security Fuel Cells allow the country to discontinue Fuel Cells allow the country to discontinue

reliance on these potential targetsreliance on these potential targets

Reliability and High Quality PowerReliability and High Quality Power Energy SecurityEnergy Security Ruggedness and DurabilityRuggedness and Durability Quiet OperationQuiet Operation


High EfficiencyHigh Efficiency Energy efficiencies of 40%- Energy efficiencies of 40%- 50% or greater 50% or greater

(85-95% with (85-95% with co-generation)co-generation) Additionally when the heat comes off of the Additionally when the heat comes off of the

fuel cell system it can be captured for fuel cell system it can be captured for beneficial purposes.beneficial purposes.

Fuel Cell vehicles can be up to 3 times more Fuel Cell vehicles can be up to 3 times more efficient than internal combustion enginesefficient than internal combustion engines


Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits Fuels cells can reduce air pollution today Fuels cells can reduce air pollution today

and offer the possibility of eliminating and offer the possibility of eliminating pollution in the futurepollution in the future

The only byproducts of these Fuel Cell The only byproducts of these Fuel Cell vehicles are water and heatvehicles are water and heat

Lightweight and Long LastingLightweight and Long Lasting Battery replacement / alternativeBattery replacement / alternative


Cost of fuel cell Cost of fuel cell system is system is continuously continuously decreasing.decreasing.

Recent price is Recent price is $42/kW.$42/kW.

Future price will be Future price will be $30/kW in 2015.$30/kW in 2015.


Durability of fuel cell Durability of fuel cell system is system is continuously continuously increasing.increasing.

Recent durability is Recent durability is 75,000/miles.75,000/miles.

Future durability will Future durability will be 150,000/miles in be 150,000/miles in 20152015

Challenges to FCTChallenges to FCT

Platinum is a key component to fuel cells.Platinum is a key component to fuel cells. Platinum catalysts is expensive so expense Platinum catalysts is expensive so expense

of fuel cell system is also high.of fuel cell system is also high.

Fuel cells must obtain mass-market Fuel cells must obtain mass-market acceptance to succeed.acceptance to succeed.

Extreme heat is produced during Extreme heat is produced during operation of fuel cell.operation of fuel cell. it must require heat dissipation arrangement.it must require heat dissipation arrangement.


Hydrogen fuel is dangerous to store Hydrogen fuel is dangerous to store It must require air tight pressure vessels to It must require air tight pressure vessels to

store the hydrogen fuel.store the hydrogen fuel. Potentially hydrogen fuel is very explosive Potentially hydrogen fuel is very explosive

so proper care is must require.so proper care is must require.


System SizeSystem Size The size and weight of current fuel cell The size and weight of current fuel cell

systems must be reduced to attain market systems must be reduced to attain market acceptance, especially with automobilesacceptance, especially with automobiles

Case studyCase study

Sierra Nevada BrewerySierra Nevada Brewery 1 MW of fuel cells provide 24/7 1 MW of fuel cells provide 24/7 power and power and

high efficiencyhigh efficiency Fuel cell waste heat used in Fuel cell waste heat used in anaerobic anaerobic

digester processdigester process Excess electricity sold to the Excess electricity sold to the grid grid Company enjoys reduced fuel costs Company enjoys reduced fuel costs

between 25-40%between 25-40%

ConclusionConclusion

Promising technologyPromising technology Most viable for market use in the near Most viable for market use in the near

futurefuture Widespread marketplace acceptance and Widespread marketplace acceptance and

use is still many years away.use is still many years away.

Engineering

Fuel cell presentation