Naslov
Tracking the processes at PEM fuel cell anode and cathode in h-x diagram

Autori
Penga, Željko ; Pivac, Ivan ; Tolj, Ivan ; Barbir, Frano

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

Izvornik
IEEES-9 Book of Abstracts / Nižetić, Sandro ; Šolić, Petar ; Milanović, Željka - Split : Sveučilište u Splitu, FESB, 2017, 223-223

ISBN
978-953-290-068-2

Skup
9th International Exergy, Energy and Environment Symposium (IEEES-9)

Mjesto i datum
Split, Hrvatska, 14.05.2017. - 17.05.2017

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
fuel cell ; operating conditions ; relative humidity ; variable temperature flow field ; isothermal conditions

Sažetak
It is possible to select the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell operating conditions, i.e., temperature, pressure and flow rates, such that the product water is just sufficient to saturate the cathode exhaust without external humidification of air at the cathode inlet. Such operation would not be advisable in isothermal conditions because the air would heat up immediately after entering the cathode compartment and the product water would not be sufficient to humidify it until the very exit. However, it is possible to impose such a temperature gradient on the cathode flow field that would allow air to slowly heat up in such a manner that product water evaporates and maintains close to 100% relative humidity (RH) throughout the length of the cathode channel. In order to prove this concept, a segmented fuel cell has been designed, allowing each segment to be held at a desired previously calculated temperature. Humidity sensors were incorporated between the segments so that the process can be monitored. The segmented fuel cell was operated in both isothermal and variable temperature modes. The temperature and humidity content of the air along the cathode channel for both modes can be shown in h-x diagram, from which it is possible to conclude on the efficiency of this internal humidification process. As expected, operation in variable temperature mode resulted in better performance than the isothermal operation, due to maintaining close to 100% RH over almost the entire length of the cathode channel. This results in a simplified supporting system without the necessity for external humidification of reactant gases.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemijsko inženjerstvo, Strojarstvo

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