Fuel Cell Research

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Fuel Cell:
A fuel Cell is an Electrochemical Device which generates electrical power continuously as a gaseous fuel is electrochemically burnt in a continuous manner.
Fuel Cell in Short:
Anode (+)
Electrolyte
Cathode(-)
Fuel →

Oxidant →

1. Electrochemical Device
2. Generates Electricity
3. Required a continuous flow of reactants
4. Uses pure of hydrogen gas or hydrocarbons as fuel
5. The use of hydrocarbons may require a reformer
6. Basic fuel cells contains as anode, cathode and electrolyte.

Fuel Cell History:
Battery Vs Fuel Cell:
Battery Fuel Cell
Generate power electrochemically Generate power electrochemically
Electrodes are working materials Gases are the working materials
Electrode get consumed Electrode do not get consumed
Limited operation Continuous to operate as long as fuel gas is supplied
Storage device Conversion device

Type of fuel Cell:
1. Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC)
2. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)
3. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFCs)
4. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
5. Molten carbonate Fuel Cell( MCFC)
6. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
Advantage of Fuel Cells:
1. High conversion efficiency
2. Fuel diversification
3. Zero emission and silent
4. Enabling technology
5. Clean and efficient conversion device
Heat Engine Vs Fuel Cells:
Chemical Energy →Thermal Energy→ Mechanical Energy →Electrical Energy
Chemical Energy → Fuel Cell →Electrical Energy
Comparison between Different Types of Fuel Cells:
PAFC PEM MCFC SOFC
Electrolyte Ortho Phosphoric acid Sulfonic acid in Polymer Mixture of Carbonates(Li and k) Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia
Fuel Hydrogel Hydrogel Hydrogel/CO Hydrogel/Natural gas/Synthetic gas
Operating Temperature 180-210°C 80-100°C 600-700°C 650-1000°C
Efficiency...

... middle of paper ...

...efficiencies of 70% are possible nowadays, along with a heat recovery possibility. SOFCs appear to be an important technology for the future as they operate at high efficiencies and can run on a variety of fuels, from solar hydrogen to methanol, from biomass to gasified coal and Hydrogel, Natural gas and Synthetic gas . As the technology develops, and if the cost of fossil fuels continues to rise, this clean, efficient alternative will stimulate the thermo mechanical engineers Why Lower Temperature SOFCs (≤ 600 ºC)
Metallic: Lower cost and greater reliability
Easier Sealing: Lower cost and greater reliability
Smaller Thermal Mismatch: Greater reliability
Less Insulation: Lower cost
Rapid Startup with Less Energy Consumption:
Lower cost and better performance
Portable/Transport applications
Transient Operation
Need higher conductivity electrolytes

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