HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS

PRESENTED BYSUCHARU VINAYAK CH 8265 B.E.Chem 4th Year

CONTENTS

HISTORY FUEL CELL COMPARISON OF FUEL CELLS

EFFICIENCY OF FUEL CELLS

SAFETY OF FUEL CELLS DIFFERENT USES OF FUEL CELLS REFERENCES

BRIEF HISTORY

1839_William_Grove_Fuel_Cell.jpg

In 1839, William Grove, a British jurist and amateur physicist, first discovered the principle of the fuel cell. Grove utilized four large cells, each containing hydrogen and oxygen, to produce electric power which was then used to split the water in the smaller upper cell into hydrogen and oxygen. In the 1960s, industry began to recognize the commercial potential of fuel cells but encountered technical barriers and high investment costs. Since 1984, the Office of Transportation Technologies at the U.S. Department of Energy has been supporting research and development of fuel cell technology . Hundreds of companies around the world are now working towards making fuel cell technology pay off.

THE BASICS OF FUEL CELLS

A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. It is two to three times more efficient than an internal power. combustion engine in converting fuel to

A fuel cell produces electricity, water, and heat using

fuel and oxygen in the air. Water is the only emission when hydrogen is the fuel. As hydrogen flows into the fuel cell on the anode side, a platinum catalyst

facilitates

the separation of the hydrogen gas into

electrons and protons (hydrogen ions).

THE BASICS OF FUEL CELLS

The hydrogen ions pass through the membrane (the center of the fuel

cell) and, again with the help of a platinum catalyst, combine with
oxygen and electrons on the cathode side, producing water. The electrons, which cannot pass through the membrane, flow from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit containing a motor or other electric load, which consumes the power generated by the cell. The voltage from one single cell is about 0.7 volts, just about enough for a light bulb much less a car. When the cells are stacked in series, the operating voltage increases to 0.7 volts multiplied by the number of cells stacked.

FUEL CELL STRUCTURE

DESIGN

Fuel cells are made up of three segments which are sandwiched together: the anode, the electrolyte, and the cathode. Two chemical reactions occur at the interfaces of the three different segments. The net result of the two reactions is that fuel is consumed, water or carbon dioxide is created, and an electric current is created, which can be used to power electrical devices, normally referred to as the load. At the anode a catalyst oxidizes the fuel, usually hydrogen, turning the fuel into a positively charged ion and a negatively charged electron. The electrolyte is a substance specifically designed so ions can pass through it, but the electrons cannot. The freed electrons travel through a wire creating the electric current. The ions travel through the electrolyte to the cathode. Once reaching the cathode, the ions are reunited with the electrons and the two react with a third chemical, usually oxygen, to create water or carbon dioxide.

DESIGN

The most important design features in a fuel cell are: The fuel that is used- The most common fuel is hydrogen. The anode catalyst, which breaks down the fuel into electrons and ions. The anode catalyst is usually made up of very fine platinum powder. The cathode catalyst, which turns the ions into the waste chemicals like water or carbon dioxide. The cathode catalyst is often made up of nickel. A typical fuel cell produces a voltage from 0.6 V to 0.7 V at full rated load. Voltage decreases as current increases, due to several factors: Ohmic loss (voltage drop due to resistance of the cell components and interconnects) To deliver the desired amount of energy, the fuel cells can be combined in series and parallel circuits, where series yields higher voltage, and parallel allows a higher current to be supplied. Such a design is called a fuel cell stack. The cell surface area can be increased, to allow stronger current from each cell.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF FUEL CELLS

At the anode, hydrogen gas (H2) diffuses through pathways until a platinum (Pt) particle is encountered. The Pt catalyzes the dissociation of the H2 molecule into two hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to two neighboring Pt atoms. Then each H atom releases an electron to form a hydrogen ion (H+). The reaction of one oxygen (O2) molecule at the cathode is a 4 electron reduction process, which occurs in a multi-step sequence. Current flows in the circuit as these H+ ions are conducted through the membrane to the cathode while the electrons pass from the anode to the outer circuit and then to the cathode. Expensive Pt based catalysts are the only catalysts capable of generating high rates of O2 reduction at the relatively low temperatures (~ 80C) at which polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells operate.

RATE OF HEAT GENERATION IN AN OPERATING FUEL CELL

Assume a 100 cm2 fuel cell is operating, under typical conditions of 1 atm. and 80C at 0.7 V and generates 0.6 A/cm2 of current, for a total current of 60 A. The excess heat generated by this cell can be estimated as follows: Power due to heat = Total power generated Electrical power Pheat = Ptotal Pelectrical =(Videal x Icell) (Vcell x Icell) =(Videal Vcell) x Icell =(1.16 V 0.7 V) x 60 A =0.46 V x 60 coulombs/sec. x 60 seconds/min. =1650 J/min
This cell is generating about 1.65 kJ of excess heat every minute it operates, while generating about 2.5 kJ of electric energy per minute.

COMPARISON OF FUEL CELLS

WHY USE H2 FUEL CELLS

Zero Emission High Efficiency Less Noise Pollution Strengthens Energy Security Useful By Products

Easy Maintenance
Abundant Resources

BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN

Four realities suggest that the current energy economy is not sustainable: The demand for energy is growing and the raw materials for the fossil fuel economy are diminishing. Oil, coal, and natural gas supplies are not replenished as it is consumed, so an alternative must be found. Most of the people who consume fossil fuels don't live where fuels are extracted. This situation creates enormous economic motivation for the consuming nations to try to exert control over the regions that supply the fuels. For many people and governments in the world, the resulting conflicts are unacceptable. Emissions from fossil fuel usage significantly degrade air quality all over the world. The resulting carbon byproducts are substantially changing the world's climate. Third world economies are especially susceptible when developing energy systems needed to improve their economies.

BENEFITS OF HYDROGEN

The use of hydrogen greatly reduces pollution. When hydrogen is combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, energy in the form of electricity is produced. This electricity can be used to power vehicles, as a heat source and for many other uses. The advantage of using hydrogen as an energy carrier is that when it combines with oxygen the only byproducts are water and heat. No greenhouse gasses or other particulates are produced by the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen can be produced locally from numerous sources. Hydrogen can be produced either centrally, and then distributed, or onsite where it will be used. If hydrogen is produced from water we have a sustainable production system . Electrolysis is the method of separating water into hydrogen and oxygen. Renewable energy can be used to power electrolyzers to produce the hydrogen from water. Using renewable energy provides a sustainable system that is independent of petroleum products and is nonpolluting. Some of the renewable sources used to power electrolyzers are wind, hydro, solar and tidal energy.

COMMERCIALIZATION OF HYDROGEN

Storage Delivery Infrastructure Safety

Vehicle refuels at a Hydrogen Refueling Station (3)

STORING HYDROGEN

Physically in high pressure tanks (upto 104lbs/sq.in.) In insulated tanks in form of cryogenic liquid( at -2530C)

Compressed Gas

Cryogenic Liquid

STORING HYDROGEN
Challenges

Research

To store within the size and weight constraints of vehicle Reduction in fuel economy

Light weight safe composite material for tanks Identifying new material for storing hydrogen Hybrid tank concept

DELIVERING HYDROGEN

Pipelines Liquefied Hydrogen In tanks High Pressure Tube Trailers

DELIVERING HYDROGEN
Challenges

Research

High Initial Capital Investment

Low cost material for constructing pipelines

Far off Distribution Sites

High Liquefaction Costs

Integrated production, delivery and end-use technology

Low cost liquefaction process

NEED FOR SAFETY

Rises and dilutes quickly Undetectable by human senses Burns very quickly

May cause suffocation

SAFETY MEASURES

Addition of sensors to detect leakage

Hydrogen codes and standards No Oxygen should be present in the storage Tanks

H-Car being refueled under strict safety measures (4)

FUEL CELL PHONE CHARGER

05 October 2009, IDG News reports : NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile phone service provider, has unveiled a prototype fuel cell system that it claims could be used as compact mobile phone charger. Although small, measuring only 24mm by 70mm, the companies claim that the device can recharge a typical mobile phone three times before requiring a hydrogen fuel refill.

FUEL CELL PHONE CHARGER

THE FC POWERTREKK CHARGER

CONVERTS WATER INTO ELECTRICITY TO POWER A MOBILE.

FUEL CELL PHONE CHARGER

The PowerTrekk has been designed for people who 'who spend time away from the electricity grid' and do not have access to conventional power in remote locations. The charger needs just a tablespoon of water to produce 10 hours of battery life. It works via a chemical reaction. The water reacts with PowerTrekk's special ingredient, sodium silicide, to produce hydrogen gas. Sodium silicide is a new chemical powder that has been developed by 'green' energy company SiGNa Chemistry, based in New York. PowerTrekk is the first commercial product that has used sodium silicide. The invention works with any device that has a USB port and with almost any type of water, including salt water. It can even run on puddle water providing it isn't thickened with mud or any other sediment.

FUEL CELL PHONE CHARGER

The product was first glimpsed last year at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, but a modified version of the technology has been on show at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. 'Fuel cell power is generated immediately and charging is not impacted by weather or the position of the sun, as for solar panels. 'Compared to battery powered travel chargers, PowerTrekk offers reliable charging as the fuel packs do not deplete as batteries do. The process easy for users. The sodium is stored in a small round container called a PowerPukk, similar in shape to a hockey puck or shoe-polish tin. The PowerPukk slots into one half of an outer container. In the other half is a tiny water tank, into which you pour the water. Once the lid is sealed on the outer container the chemical reaction begins automatically and the PowerTrekk is ready to use. The chemistry process is said to be safe and eco-friendly, and the only by-product is a little water vapor. The portable battery pack can either be used as a charger or as a ready source of power; you can plug a torch or lamp into it.

HOME ENERGY STATION

November 14, 2009 : Torrance ,California ,U.S.A., Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in conjunction with technology partner Plug Power Inc., have located the, HOME ENERGY STATION, which provides heat and electricity for the home as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. It provides as much as 5 kW of electrical power to the home in normal and emergency conditions.

Honda Home Energy Station (5)

FUEL CELL POWER PLANT IN HOSPITALITY RESORT

Industrial and commercial power plant manufacturer FUELCELL ENERGY has announced that it has sold a fuel cell power plant to hospitality and entertainment resort in California. FUELCELL ENERGY confirmed that the 750kW generator would be used to power 24-hour hotel operations and water heating at the resort. It is expected that the plant will become operational by April 2012, with FUELCELL ENERGY Energy providing on-going maintenance services as part of the deal.

FUEL CELL VEHICLES

No Green House Gases

No Air Pollutants Efficient Engines Design Flexibility Quieter

Engine of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car made by Toyota (5)

FUEL CELL VEHICLES

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have the potential to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower harmful emissions that cause climate change. FCVs run on hydrogen gas rather than gasoline and emit no harmful tailpipe emissions. Several challenges must be overcome before these vehicles will be competitive with conventional vehicles, but the potential benefits of this technology are substantial. A Look Inside FCVs look like conventional vehicles from the outside, but inside they contain technologically advanced components not found on today's vehicles. The most obvious difference is the fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen gas stored onboard with oxygen from the air into electricity to drive the electric motor that propels the vehicle.

FUEL CELL VEHICLES

Are Fuel Cell Powered Cars Really More Efficient?

100 Energy Units IC Engine 40%
40

Direct Drive 37.5%

15

Conventional Car
60 20 Idling 5 Friction

40 Units H2 production
40 Energy Units Fuel Cell 50% 20 Direct Drive 75% 15

Fuel Cell Car

20 0 Idling 5 Friction

FUEL CELL AVIATION

First H-plane tested in U.S. on26th May ,2001 Better alternative for the aviation sector No critical barrier to implementation

1st H-plane tested by U.S.(6)

SPACE RESEARCH

Marsbots are being sent to mars which are energized by Hydrogen Fuel Cells

In spacecrafts By astronauts

EFFICIENCY OF FUEL CELLS

A single, ideal H2 fuel cell should provide 1.16 volts at open circuit conditions & at 80C and 1 atm. gas pressure. Efficiency for a fuel cell is the ratio of the actual cell voltage to the theoretical maximum voltage for the H2 reaction. Thus a fuel cell operating at 0.7 V is generating about 60% of the maximum useful energy available from the fuel in the form of electric power. The remaining energy 40% will appear as heat. The characteristic performance curve for a fuel cell represents the DC voltage delivered at the cell terminals as a function of the current density (i.e. total current divided by area of membrane) being drawn from the fuel cell by the load in the external circuit.

AMERICAN COMMITMENT TO HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY

Tonight Im proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so that America can lead the world in developing clean, hydrogenpowered automobilesWith a new national

commitment, our scientists and engineers

will overcome obstacles to taking these cars from laboratory to showroom, so that the first car driven by a child born today could be powered by hydrogen, and pollutionfree.
President Bush January 28, 2003, State of the Union Address

EUROPEAN COMMITMENT TO HYDROGEN ECONOMY

05 October 2006 :

Speaking at a press conference, German MEP Jo Leinen said that he wanted the EU's 50th birthday in 2007 to be marked by a new energy project, focusing on

hydrogen energy technologies.

According to Mr Leinen, the EU was spending 100 million (67 million) a year

less than other global powers on hydrogen technology development a situation

that needed to change if the EU was to compete on economic and environmental terms.

HYDROGEN ENERGY IN INDIA

National Hydrogen Association (NHA) publication :

National Hydrogen Energy Board (NHEB) comprising of very senior representatives from industry, government, academia, and research institutions

have been charged with the responsibility of preparing a National Hydrogen

Energy Road Map and overseeing its implementation.

The NHEB Steering Group is chaired by Mr. Ratan Tata.

In the words of Mr. Tata "I think we are moving towards the realization that hydrogen is going to be an important fuel".

HYDROGEN ENERGY IN INDIA

Early in 2006 the Indian government unveiled a National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap with the goal of having one million hydrogen-fuelled vehicles on the road

by 2020 and generating 1,000 MW from hydrogen through public-private initiatives.

To achieve these outputs, the national plan includes two major new programmes:

(1)The Green Initiative For Future Transport (GIFT)

(2)The Green Initiative For Power Generation (GIP) They will develop and demonstrate a hydrogen-powered engine and fuel cell-

based cars ranging from small cars and taxis to buses and vans (Tech Monitor).

Two-wheelers that run on hydrogen have already been designed, developed and tested at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

REFERENCES
1. 2. 3. 4.

www.eere.energy.gov www.discovery.com www.wikipedia.com www.livescience.com/6157-cell-phone-charger-turns-waterelectricity.html www.fuelcelltoday.com

5.

6.
7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

www.fuelcells.org
www.airproducts.com www.indianexpress.com

www.mnes.nic.in
www.hydrogen.org www.amazon.com/Tomorrows-Energy-hydrogen-prospects.dp

THANK YOU