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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

THREE-DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL

ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENTAL

CHARACTERIZATION OF A HIGH

TEMPERATURE-PEM FUEL CELL

Giacomo Falcucci and Stefano Ubertini

University of Naples Parthenope, Centro Direzionale - Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy

Luca AndreassiUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, V.le Politecnico, 00100, Rome, Italy

Rodolfo TaccaniUniversity of Trieste, Via Valerio 8, 34127 Trieste, Italy

December 16, 2011

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Index

1 Introduction2 3D Modeling

Electrochemical Model3 3D Analysis

HT PEM Design4 Conclusions5 Future Work6 Acknowledgements

7 Discussion

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

PEM Fuel Cells

Attracting Features: high power density, high efficiency,reliability;

Drawbacks: intolerance to CO and CO2, slow cathode kinetics,

liquid water and heat management.

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Introduction

3D Modeling3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. FalcucciDecember 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Introduction

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

Very similar to PEM fuel cells, but:

working temperature above 100 C;

no risk of cathod flooding;

Pt affinity with H2 is enhanced by the higher temperature;

Main advantages, compared to LT PEM:

CO poisoning at the anode is effectively alleviated;accelerated reaction kinetics at the electrodes

easier water and heat management;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

ElectrochemicalModel

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Electrochemical Model

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling

We tested our model on a computational domain represented by asingle channel:

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling

HT PEM 3D model: geometrical characteristics

Cell width 3.4 mmChannel length 235 mmChannel height 0.7 mmAnode channel width 0.7 mmCathode channel width 1 mmAnode GDL thickness 0.34 mmCathode GDL thickness 0.34 mmMembrane thickness 0.065 mm

Anode GCL thickness 0.04 mmCathode GCL thickness 0.11 mmElectrode height 2 mm

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling

HT PEM 3D model: electrochemical characteristics

Membrane Ionic conductivity 0 12.99 S/mGDL/CL electric conductivity 0 103.3 S/mElectrode electric conductivit 535 S/mAnodic charge transfer coeff. a 1

Cathodic charge transfer coeff. c 1Anode exchange current density 1.0 108 A/m3

Cathode reference exchange current density 170 A/m3

Porosity GDL 0.8Porosity CL 0.6Open circuit voltage V0 1.015 VThermal conductivity of GCL/GDL 1.7 W/(m K)Thermal conductivity of membrane 0.95 W/(m K)Thermal conductivity of current collector 25 W/(m K)Permeability of GCL/GDL 5 1012 m2

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling

HT PEM 3D model: initial conditions

Anodic channel Cathodic channelGas mass flow rate (kg/s) 4.5e-7 3.25e-5H2 mass fraction 1 -O2 mass fraction - 0.22N2 mass fraction - 0.78Operating pressure (Pa) 101325 101325

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling - Results

Case 1: V=0.6 V (cost)

(a) t=0.12 s (b) t=0.24 s (c) t=0.36 s

(d) t=0.49 s (e) t=0.71 s (f ) steady state

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling - Results

Case 2: V=0.6 V 0.4 V

(g) t

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

3D Modeling - Results

[J. Peng et al., J. Power Sources 179 (2008), 220 - 231]

Si l C ll 3D M d li

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Single Cell 3D Modeling

same geometrical and electrochemical conditions;

Si l C ll 3D M d li

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Single Cell 3D Modeling

same geometrical and electrochemical conditions;

(j) (k)

Details of the anode, (a), and cathode (b) channels.

Si l C ll 3D M d li

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Single Cell 3D Modeling

Results compared to a commercial HT PEM;

Different gas compositions: pure hydrogen and syngas withdifferent CO compositions.

Si l C ll 3D M d li

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

HT PEM Design

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Single Cell 3D Modeling

Results compared to a commercial HT PEM;

Different gas compositions: pure hydrogen and syngas withdifferent CO compositions.

C l i

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Conclusions

3D model for coupled fluid-dynamics and electrochemistry in a

HT PEM;comparison between our results and results in literature;

3D model of a HT PEM single cell;

simulation and comparison with commercial HT PEM.

Conclusions

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Conclusions

3D model for coupled fluid-dynamics and electrochemistry in a

HT PEM;comparison between our results and results in literature;

3D model of a HT PEM single cell;

simulation and comparison with commercial HT PEM.

Conclusions

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Conclusions

3D model for coupled fluid-dynamics and electrochemistry in a

HT PEM;comparison between our results and results in literature;

3D model of a HT PEM single cell;

simulation and comparison with commercial HT PEM.

Conclusions

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Conclusions

3D model for coupled fluid-dynamics and electrochemistry in a

HT PEM;comparison between our results and results in literature;

3D model of a HT PEM single cell;

simulation and comparison with commercial HT PEM.

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Future Work

Enhancement of single cell gas channels;Adoption of channel design optimized for fluid-dynamicperfomances;

Tests and comparison with our own built HT PEM;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Future Work

Enhancement of single cell gas channels;Adoption of channel design optimized for fluid-dynamicperfomances;

Tests and comparison with our own built HT PEM;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Future Work

Enhancement of single cell gas channels;Adoption of channel design optimized for fluid-dynamicperfomances;

Tests and comparison with our own built HT PEM;

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Introduction

3D Modeling

3D Analysis

Conclusions

Future Work

Acknowledgements

Discussion

G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

Acknowledgements

This research is supported by the Italian Ministry of Instruction,University and Research within the projectPRIN2008 Analisi integrata numerico-sperimentale, prototipazione ecaratterizzazione di celle a combustibile ad elettrolita polimerico ad

alta temperatura.

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Conclusions

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G. Falcucci

December 16,2011

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