Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

This book examines the characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells with a focus on deriving realistic finite element models. The book also explains in detail how to set up measuring systems, data analysis, and PEM Fuel Cells’ static and dynamic characteristics. Covered in detail are design and operation principles such as polarization phenomenon, thermodynamic analysis, and overall voltage; failure modes and mechanisms such as permanent faults, membrane degradation, and water management; and modelling and numerical simulation including semi-empirical, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional models. It is appropriate for graduate students, researchers, and engineers who work with the design and reliability of hydrogen fuel cells, in particular proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

The fuel cell is a potential candidate for energy storage andconversion in our future energy mix. It is able to directly convertthe chemical energy stored in fuel (e.g. hydrogen) intoelectricity, without undergoing different intermediary conversionsteps. In the field of mobile and stationary applications, it isconsidered to be one of the future energy solutions. Among the different fuel cell types, the proton exchange membrane(PEM) fuel cell has shown great potential in mobile applications,due to its low operating temperature, solid-state electrolyte andcompactness. This book presents a detailed state of art of PEM fuel cellmodeling, with very detailed physical phenomena equations indifferent physical domains. Examples and a fully coupledmulti-physical 1.2 kW PEMFC model are given help the reader betterunderstand how to use the equations.

PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of PEM fuel cell, their working condition and application, and the latest breakthroughs and challenges for fuel cell technology. Each chapter follows a systematic and consistent structure with clear illustrations and diagrams for easy understanding. The opening chapters address the basics of PEM technology; stacking and membrane electrode assembly for PEM, degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts, platinum dissolution and redeposition, carbon-support corrosion, bipolar plates and carbon nanotubes for the PEM, and gas diffusion layers. Thermodynamics, operating conditions, and electrochemistry address fuel cell efficiency and the fundamental workings of the PEM. Instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis are then presented alongside practical tests. Dedicated chapters explain how to use MATLAB and COMSOL to conduct simulation and modeling of catalysts, gas diffusion layers, assembly, and membrane. Degradation and failure modes are discussed in detail, providing strategies and protocols for mitigation. High-temperature PEMs are also examined, as are the fundamentals of EIS. Critically, the environmental impact and life cycle of the production and storage of hydrogen are addressed, as are the risk and durability issues of PEMFC technology. Dedicated chapters are presented on the economics and commercialization of PEMFCs, including discussion of installation costs, initial capital costs, and the regulatory frameworks; apart from this, there is a separate chapter on their application to the automotive industry. Finally, future challenges and applications are considered. PEM Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Advanced Technologies, and Practical Application provides an in-depth and comprehensive reference on every aspect of PEM fuel cells fundamentals, ideal for researchers, graduates, and students. Presents the fundamentals of PEM fuel cell technology, electrolytes, membranes, modeling, conductivity, recent trends, and future applications Addresses commercialization, public policy, and the environmental impacts of PEMFC in dedicated chapters Presents state-of-the-art PEMFC research alongside the underlying concepts

Demand for fuel cell technology is growing rapidly. Fuel cells are being commercialized to provide power to buildings like hospitals and schools, to replace batteries in portable electronic devices, and as replacements for internal combustion engines in vehicles. PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells are lighter, smaller, and more efficient than other types of fuel cell. As a result, over 80% of fuel cells being produced today are PEM cells. This new edition of Dr. Barbir's groundbreaking book still lays the groundwork for engineers, technicians and students better than any other resource, covering fundamentals of design, electrochemistry, heat and mass transport, as well as providing the context of system design and applications. Yet it now also provides invaluable information on the latest advances in modeling, diagnostics, materials, and components, along with an updated chapter on the evolving applications areas wherein PEM cells are being deployed. Comprehensive guide covers all aspects of PEM fuel cells, from theory and fundamentals to practical applications Provides solutions to heat and water management problems engineers must face when designing and implementing PEM fuel cells in systems Hundreds of original illustrations, real-life engineering examples, and end-of-chapter problems help clarify, contextualize, and aid understanding

Large-scale commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology has been hindered by issues of reliability, durability, and cost, which are all related to the degradation of fuel cell performance. This degradation often has root causes in contamination from fuel, air streams, or system components. With contributions from international scientists and engineers active in PEMFC research, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Contamination and Mitigation Strategies discusses the impacts of contamination and the contamination mitigation strategies to improve fuel cell performance and durability. The book covers the nature, sources, and electrochemistry of contaminants; their effects on fuel cell performance and lifetime; and the mechanisms of contamination. Exploring the major findings from experimental and theoretical studies in contamination-related research, the expert contributors present methods and tools used for diagnosing various contamination phenomena, along with strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of contamination. They also describe key issues in the future R&D of fuel cell contamination and control. Helping to facilitate pioneering PEMFC R&D and accelerate sustainable commercialization, this book contains the latest research efforts and novel developments as well as important new directions in PEMFC contamination. It offers a comprehensive overview of nearly every aspect of fuel cell contamination, from fundamentals to applications.

Water and Thermal Management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells introduces the main research methods and latest advances in the water and thermal management of PEMFCs. The book introduces the transport mechanism of each component, including modeling methods at different scales, along with practical exercises. Topics include PEMFC fundamentals, working principles and transport mechanisms, characterization tests and diagnostic analysis, the simulation of multiphase transport and electrode kinetics, cell-scale modeling, stack-scale modeling, and system-scale modeling. This volume offers a practical handbook for researchers, students and engineers in the fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are high-efficiency and low-emission electrochemical energy conversion devices. Inside the PEMFC complex, physical and chemical processes take place, such as electrochemical reaction, multiphase flow and heat transfer. This book explores these topics, and more. Introduces the transport mechanism for each component of PEMFCs Presents modeling methods at different scales, including component, cell, stack and system scales Provides exercises in PEMFC modeling, along with examples of necessary codes Covers the latest advances in PEMFCs in a convenient and structured manner Offers a solution to researchers, students and engineers working on proton exchange membrane fuel cells

PEM Fuel Cell Testing and Diagnosis covers the recent advances in PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell systems, focusing on instruments and techniques for testing and diagnosis, and the application of diagnostic techniques in practical tests and operation. This book is a unique source of electrochemical techniques for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the area of fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are currently considered the most promising clean energy-converting devices for stationary, transportation, and micro-power applications due to their high energy density, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. To advance research and development of this emerging technology, testing and diagnosis are an essential combined step. This book aids those efforts, addressing effects of humidity, temperature and pressure on fuel cells, degradation and failure analysis, and design and assembly of MEAs, single cells and stacks. Provides fundamental and theoretical principles for PEM fuel cell testing and diagnosis. Comprehensive source for selecting techniques, experimental designs and data analysis Analyzes PEM fuel cell degradation and failure mechanisms, and suggests failure mitigation strategies Provides principles for selecting PEM fuel cell key materials to improve durability