FUEL CELLS & THEIR SUBSTITUES INDEX

Sr. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Abstract Introduction Fuel Cell

Particulars

Pg. No.

Classification of Fuel Cell Conversion Efficiency of Fuel Cell Advantages & Disadvantages Application of Fuel Cell Substitutes Conclusion References

LIST OF FIGURES 1. 2. 3. Main component of fuel cell H2O2 fuel cell Performance curve 2 4 2

Fuel Cells & Their Substitutes Abstract Fuel cells are finding themselves a niche in the power industry because of nearly 40 to 60 percent efficiency even at low plant capacity with heat and water (Steam) cogeneration efficiency is pushed up to 80 percent. These nos. are mind boggling when compared with, efficiency ratings for conventional heat engine system - 20 to 30 percent for gas turbines and 35 percent for gas engines. In a fuel cell process nothing goes waste. The heat and steam can be used H2 the reforming process. Steam itself could be used to run a buildings heating system. Some of the CO2 could even be used for a small plantation around a power generating station. Above all, fuel cells have a greater potential for environmental acceptability than conventional generators. In this paper use of bacteria called Rhodoferax ferrireducers for generation of electric potential is focused, as substitute of fuel cell.

Introduction

Worldwide, the demand for energy is expected to increase considerably in the coming years - with much of increase taking place in the developing countries. With the existing technologies, an increased consumption of energy would only mean increasing the green house effect as more and more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This coupled with the destruction of forests due to acid rains resulting from increased sulphur di-oxide content in the atmosphere could lead to serious environmental problems. In India, the environmental crisis is a serious concern because our energy system is heavily dependent on coal and imported fuel, mainly oil. The need of the hour is to seriously consider alternative source of energy. It is not wise to depend on hydroelectric power supply because of number of reasons. The other two potions, wind power and solar power, also suffer from certain drawbacks. While wind based power technology is exotic and interesting it is not seen to be very practical for continuous use. The solar photovolatic energy, on the other hand, is no doubt a clean alternative but it is still much too expensive per kilowatt. There is, therefore, an immediate need to identify and develop new technologies for a more efficient generation and usage of energy. One such is fuel Fuel cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell but it differs from a traditional battery in several ways. A battery is an energy storage device in which the amount of electrical energy available is dependent on the mass of chemical reactant

stored in the battery. When the reactants are fully consumed (discharged), the battery must be recharged before it can be used again. But a fuel cell is an energy conversion device, which is able to produce electricity as long as reactants are provided. Because a fuel cell transforms the fuel directly to electricity without combustion, there is a little waste heat and the rate of chemical to electrical energy conversion is very high. Thus a fuel cell operates as long as fuel and air are available. Hydrogen is an excellent fuel because it produces only water, which does not adversely affect the natural environment. The first H2/O2 fuel cell containing dilute sulphuric acid as electrolyte was demonstrated in 1839 by W.R. Grove at the Royal Institution, London. The primitive cell consisted of two platinum strips surrounded by closed tubes containing H2 and O2 respectively formed by preliminary electrolysis of the electrolyte. Although the principle of the fuel cell was first experimentally demonstrated as early as 1839, it is only in last several years that they have shown their potential as practical devices. Serious interest in the fuel cell as a practical generator did not begin until the 1960's when the US space program chose fuel cells over riskier nuclear power and more expensive solar energy. Fuel cells furnished power for the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, and still provide electricity and water for the space shuttle. The H2/O2 fuel cell used in the Apollo moon flights operates continuously for 440 hours and generated 292 KWh of electrical energy and incidentally 100 litres of water.

Design and operation of fuel cell : (with special reference to H 2/O2 cell) :

L oad

Electrolyte 40%K H O

W ater (2H 2O )

4H Fuel 2H 2

+ O2 A ir

H eat
Hydrogen is an excellent fuel for fuel cell because it produces only water. Hydrogen containing fuels rich in hydrogen such as coal, biomass, ethanol methanol, methane and propane can also be used. Hydrogen is produced from this by means of a reforming reaction, carried out either externally or internally. In a fuel cell operated at high temperatures (e.g. molten carbonate

fuel cell) the heat is used for generating H2 and CO2 as well as facilitating electrode reaction simultaneously. In a low temperature fuel cell, the reforming process occurs in an external reformer and the hydrogen produced is consumed to generate electricity.

Air Fossil Fuel Fuel Processor Hydrogen Mainly Steam Power section D.C. (fuel cell) A.C.

Inverter

Figure no. 2.2 (1) shows main components of fuel cell system.

If natural gas has to be used, it is processed in a reformer to create hydrogen rich fuel. figure no. 2.2 (2) shows schematic dia. of H2 O2 fuel cell. The processed fuel is fed to the fuel cell between the end plate (or bipolar separator plate) and the nickel anode. Simultaneously, air (oxygen) is cleaned with filters and then channelled between the cathode and bipolar separator plate (or end plate). Sandwiched in between the anode and the cathode is the electrolyte (40% KOH). This porous material enables the hydrogen and oxygen to chemically react. Electrode reactions occur releasing free electrons that flow an external circuit, through a load and to the cathode.

The following reactions takes place in fuel cell :Anode Cathode : 2H2 + 4OH--------> 4H2O + 4e-

: O2 + 2H2O + 4e- --------> 4OH-

Overall cell reaction 2H2 + O2 ---------> 2H2O This process takes place in each fuel cell. Multiple cells arranged in series form a "stack" to produce high voltage. In any fuel cell system, since the output power is DC, there is a power conditioning stage, which converters DC into AC. The conditioners (inverters) typically run at an incredible 98% efficiency, so very little energy is lost.

Classification of fuel cells

1.0 0.9 0.8 Voltage (V) 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 J (A / cm2) 1.0 1.5 0.6 Efficiency 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0

Before describing the different types of fuel cells, it is necessary to have some method of classification of various types of fuel cell, which are either in existence or are being invented. Several methods of classification of fuel cells hand appeared in the literature. One of the difficulties in arriving at a

systematic classification is that several operational variables exist. A broad classification is done according to whether the fuel cell system is primary or secondary one. A primary fuel cell may be defined as one in which the reactants are passed through the cell only once, the product of reaction being discarded e.g. H2/O2 fuel cell. A secondary fuel cell is one in which the

reactants are passed through the cell many times because they are generated from the products by thermal, electrical, photochemical methods, e.g. Nitric oxide - chlorine fuel cell. Fuel cells may be classified : 1. According to temperature range in which they operate, i. Low temperature 25 - 1000C ii. Medium temperature 100- 5000C iii. High temperature & very high temperature above 10000C 2. According to physical state of fuel : i. Gas - Hydrogen, lower hydrocarbons ii. Liquid - Alcohol, hydrazine, higher hydrocarbon iii. Solid - Metals etc.

3. In terms of electrolyte used : i. Alkaline fuel cell ii. Phosphoric acid fuel cell iii. Molten carbonate fuel cell iv. Solid oxide fuel cell v. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell

Conversion efficiency of fuel cells

The electrical energy generated by a fuel cell depends on what is called the "free" energy rather than an heat energy of the overall cell reaction. The free energy of formation of 1 mole (18 grams) of liquid water from hydrogen and oxygen gases at atmospheric pressure is 56.67 kcal or 237 KJ at 25 0C. The heat energy (or enthalpy) of the reaction under the same conditions is 68.26 kacl (286 KJ). The theoretical efficiency of the conversion of heat energy in electrical energy in a H2 - O2 fuel cell is thus (56.67 / 68.26) x 100 = 83 percent. Efficiencies as high as 70% have been observed, but the practical cells using pure hydrogen and oxygen generally have conversion efficiencies in the range of 50 to 60%. The efficiencies are some what lower when air is the source of oxygen. The overall thermal to electrical conversion efficiencies are also lower when the hydrogen is derived from the hydrocarbon sources. Nevertheless, they should be higher than those obtainable from the same fuels is most steam - electric plants. The theoretical emf (or voltage) of a fuel cell can be calculated from the reaction free energy. For the hydrogen - oxygen cell at 250C, with the gases at atmospheric pressure, the ideal emf is 1.23 volts, at 2000C, it is about 1.15 volts. The discharges voltages observed in actual cells are always below the theoretical value. The difference increasing with increasing strength of the current drawn from the cell.

For the moderate currents at which fuel cells normally operate the emf is 0.7 to 0.8 volts. This deviation from the theoretical emf accounts for the conversion efficiency of a fuel cell being below the ideal maximum value. The departure of a fuel cell from the ideal behaviour arises from several factors one is the inherent slowness of he electrode reactions, this is dominant at low current drains. It can be reduced by an effective electrochemical catalyst and by increasing the operating temperature. At larger currents there is an additional contribution from the electrical resistance of the electrolyte. A low resistance (i.e. high conductivity) electrolyte is therefore desirable. Even in a ideal H2 - O2 cells 100 - 83 = 17% of the chemical reaction energy (enthalpy) would be liberated as heat. The proportions increased in an actual cell because the conversion efficiency is less than the maximum of 83%. In order to avoid an excessive temperature rise, heat is removed from the fuel cell during operation. Possible ways of doing this are by the flow of excess air pasts the positive electrode or by circulating the electrolyte through an external cooler. In some fuel cell it is proposed to utilize the heat to provide space heating of a building and to supply hot water. The heat released in high temperature cells might be used for industrial purposes (i.e. process heat) or to generate steam.

Advantages and disadvantages of fuel cell

Advantages

1.

It has very high conversion efficiencies as high as 70% have been observed, since it is a direct conversion process and does not involve a thermal process.

2.

Fuel cell can be installed near the use point, thus reducing electrical transmission requirements and accompanying losses. Consequently considerably higher efficiencies are possible.

3.

They have few mechanical components, hence they operate fairly quietly and require little attention and less maintenance.

4.

Atmospheric pollution is small if the primary energy source is hydrogen, the only waste product is water, if the source is a hydrogen, CO2 is also produced, Nitrogen oxide such as accompany combustion of fossil fuel in the air, are not formed in the fuel cell. Some heat is generated by a fuel cell, but it cell be dissipated to the atmosphere or possibly used locally.

5.

There is no requirement for large volumes of cooling water such as are necessary to condense exhaust system from a turbine in conventional power plant.

6.

As fuel cells do not make noise, they can be readily accepted in residential areas.

7. 8.

The fuel cell takes little time to go into operation. The space requirement for fuel cell power plant is considerably less as compared to conventional power plant.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantages of fuel cells are their high initial costs and low service life.

Applications of fuel cells

The applications of fuel cells may be discussed with reference to the following:1. 2. 3. 4. Domestic use Central power stations Automotive vehicles and Special applications Fuel cells generate direct current, which can be used for electric lamps and some small applications such as heat pumps, motors etc. conversion into AC by means of an inverter might be necessary. Fuel cells can be made in modules of different size that are readily transportable. They can then the assembled at any location to provide a specified voltage and power output. The modular design should make it possible to construct plants of various capacities for different requirement. Fuel sources have been proposed for remote or rural areas or unattended locations, for mobile and emergency power sources, and for vehicle propulsion. The high temperature batteries may be the best candidates for vehicle propulsion in the long term but certain fuel cells are may have longer

travel ranges than those with the most advanced storage batteries. Many fuel cells currently under development are for special applications where convenience is of paramount importance, cost is secondary. For these applications H2 is the superior fuel from the viewpoint of reactivity and availability of invariant electrolyte, although it is relatively costly. It seems likely that H2 / O2 and hydrogen oxygen cells will be used to an increasing extent in special military and space projects.

Substitutes

1. Use of bacteria The researchers (Swades K.Chaudhri and Derek R.Lovely of the university of Massachusetts in Amherst) have been able to harvest bacteria on graphite electrodes in a fuel cell. During their experiment, they fed the bacteria with ample amounts of glucose, which enabled the generation of enough electricity to power a christmas tree bulb / calculator.

2. Vodka Power

Fuel cells are just terrific, and with the number applications possible, one should not be surprised to hear that in the near future, cell phones and laptop computers could function on shouts of Vodka. The technology behind it is an

enzyme catalysed battery developed by scientists at St Louis University in Missouri. The battery uses a new polymer that protects the fragile enzymes used to break down the ethanol fuel. As a result, the battery maintains a neutral pH, while being small enough to trap the enzymes and yet big enough to let the alcohol pass through. The team, headed by Shelley Minteer, coated the electrodes with a polymer that had specially tailored pores. This allowed the enzymes to last over two months. Besides, the team claims that the new bio-batteries have power densities far greater than other mixtures. And for this reason, the group is busy working on tweaking the polymer enzyme matrix to broaden its power range.

Conclusion

Fuel cells can promote energy diversity and a transition to renewable energy sources. Hydrogen - the most abundant element on Earth - can be directly used. Fuel cells can also utilize fuel containing hydrogen, including methanol, ethanol, natural gas and even gasoline or diesel fuel. Energy also could be supplied by biomass, wind, solar power or other renewable source. Fuel cells today are running on many different fuels, even gas from landfills and waste water treatment plants. Fuel cells are also ideal candidates for a new trend of power generation, called distributed power generation. With such an arrangement, many small scale factories, hospitals, shopping malls, hotels, airport etc. can produce

their own electricity. There seems to be a good future for consumer ready fuel cell vehicles. Ford and Toyota are among those working on fuel cell vehicles. General Motors claims to have unveiled a fuel cell powered Opal car and developed nearly zero emission minivan that converts methanol into the gas for use in the fuel cell. Since the fuel cell relies an chemistry and not combustion, emission from this type of a system would still be much smaller than emission from the cleanest fuel combustion process.

References

1.

Dr. A. S. N. Murhty "Futuristic Fuel Cell : Clean Energy" Science Reporter, March 1999 Page No. : 10 - 15.

2.

Ramkumar Perumal "Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells for Indian Power Sector" Journal of Environmental Studies and Policy 1 (2) Pange No. : 75 - 82.

3.

www.fuelcell.com