29, Nov 2023
PEM Fuel Cells: Theory And Practice

PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice

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PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice

PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice / Edition 2 by Frano Barbir 9780123877109 Hardcover

Introduction

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a type of electrochemical cell that generates electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. They are a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation, with applications in transportation, stationary power, and portable devices.

Theory of Operation

PEMFCs operate on the principle of electrochemistry. Hydrogen gas is fed into the anode of the cell, where it is oxidized to form protons (H+) and electrons. The electrons are conducted through an external circuit, generating an electrical current. The protons pass through the proton exchange membrane (PEM) to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to form water.

The overall reaction in a PEMFC is:

2H2 + O2 โ†’ 2H2O + electrical energy

The PEM is a key component of the fuel cell. It allows protons to pass through while blocking electrons, creating a separation between the anode and cathode reactions. The PEM is typically made of a polymer such as Nafion.

Cell Components

A PEMFC consists of several key components:

  • Anode: The anode is the negative electrode of the cell. It is made of a porous material, such as carbon paper, that allows hydrogen gas to diffuse into the cell.
  • Cathode: The cathode is the positive electrode of the cell. It is made of a porous material, such as carbon paper, that allows oxygen gas to diffuse into the cell.
  • Proton exchange membrane (PEM): The PEM is a thin, solid polymer that separates the anode and cathode. It allows protons to pass through while blocking electrons.
  • Gas diffusion layers (GDLs): The GDLs are porous layers that facilitate the transport of gases to and from the anode and cathode.
  • Catalyst layers: The catalyst layers are thin layers of platinum or platinum alloys that are deposited on the anode and cathode. They catalyze the electrochemical reactions that occur in the cell.

Performance Characteristics

The performance of a PEMFC is determined by several factors, including:

  • Cell voltage: The cell voltage is the voltage generated by the cell under operating conditions. It is typically around 0.7 V per cell.
  • Current density: The current density is the amount of current that flows through the cell per unit area. It is typically expressed in amperes per square centimeter (A/cm2).
  • Power density: The power density is the amount of power generated by the cell per unit area. It is typically expressed in watts per square centimeter (W/cm2).
  • Efficiency: The efficiency of a PEMFC is the ratio of the electrical energy generated by the cell to the chemical energy of the hydrogen and oxygen reactants. It is typically around 50-60%.

Applications

PEMFCs have a wide range of potential applications, including:

  • Transportation: PEMFCs are used in fuel cell vehicles, which offer zero-emission transportation.
  • Stationary power: PEMFCs can be used to generate electricity for buildings, hospitals, and other facilities.
  • Portable devices: PEMFCs can be used to power portable devices, such as laptops, cell phones, and drones.

Challenges and Future Directions

PEMFCs are a promising technology, but they face several challenges:

  • Cost: PEMFCs are still relatively expensive to produce.
  • Durability: PEMFCs can be degraded by impurities in the hydrogen and oxygen reactants.
  • Hydrogen infrastructure: The widespread adoption of PEMFCs requires a reliable and affordable hydrogen infrastructure.

Research and development efforts are ongoing to address these challenges. Advances in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and system design are expected to improve the performance, durability, and cost of PEMFCs.

Conclusion

PEMFCs are a promising technology for clean and efficient power generation. They have a wide range of potential applications, but they face several challenges. Ongoing research and development efforts are expected to overcome these challenges and enable the widespread adoption of PEMFCs.

Dynamic Analysis of a Stand Alone Operation of PEM Fuel Cell System Electrochemistry Encyclopedia โ€“ PEM fuel cells PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice : Barbir Dr., Frano, Barbir, Frano: Amazon.in: Books
PEM Fuel Cells Theory and Practice โ€“ Morning Store PEM Fuel Cell: Modeling and Simulation - Power Electronics News PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice (Sustainable World Series): Amazon.co.uk: Barbir Dr., Frano
Basic components and working principle of a PEM fuel cell. Reprinted Download Scientific Pem Fuel Cell Schematic

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