Naslov
Current status and challenges in development of PEMFC stacks and systems including electrolyzers and regenerative fuel cells

Autori
Barbir, Frano

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Proceedings International Fuel Cell Symposium / - : Yuan Ze University, 2005, 23-23

Skup
International Fuel Cell Symposium

Mjesto i datum
Taoyuan, Tajvan, 22.09.2005. - 23.09.2005

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
PEM fuel cell; stack; electrolyzer; regenerative fuel cell

Sažetak
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) have been demonstrated in almost any imaginable power generation application, yet their commercial availability seems to be elusive. This paper presents an overview of the status of PEMFC stack and system development for various applications, and discusses the possible reasons for continuous postponement of their commercialization with the emphasis on the technical challenges such as increase in power density, obtaining uniformity of cells in a multi-cell stack configuration, optimal flow field design, operation with low stoichiometric ratios and low humidity gases, understanding and increasing durability, reducing size and weight and most importantly reducing the manufacturing cost. The system issues such as operation at higher temperature, sensitivity to sub-freezing temperature and related engineering solutions, choice of fuel, system complexity and cost will also be discussed. The electrolysis process is just reverse of the fuel cell operation. PEM electrolyzer is therefore a device similar to PEM fuel cell. Similarities and differences in stack and system design between a fuel cell electrolyzer and fuel cell are addressed in this paper as well. The challenges for development of a PEM electrolyzer are compared to those related to PEM fuel cell development. A combination of an electrolyzer and a fuel cell is referred to as a regenerative or reversible fuel cell. Several options for configuration of a regenerative fuel cell are discussed and related technical challenges are presented. Overall, fuel cells in general, and PEM fuel cells in particular are a technology that has a potential to completely change the way how power is generated and delivered to the end users, and may be a driver for a hydrogen economy.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Strojarstvo

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