Techniques to Increase Power Density of Fuel Cells

Article Study on Performance Simulation Matching of One-Dimensional Hydrogen Storage and Supply System for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Qi Liu 1,2, * , Biao Xiong 1,3, Yuxuan Liu 1,3, Chuanyu Zhang 1,3, Shuo Yuan 1,2, and Wenshang Ma 1,3 1 College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China 2 Research Institute of Hunan University in Chongqing, Chongqing 401120, China 3 State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China * Correspondence: author: [email protected] Received: 1 July 2024; Accepted: 12 September 2024; Published: 27 September 2024 Abstract: With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are considered one of the most potential and promising new energy vehicles because of their advantages, such as pollution-free emission, long cruising range, and short hydrogenation time. However, there are still unresolved problems between the storage and supply of hydrogen and the power demand during the operation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicle... Read More

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To improve the fuel cell durability of the hydrogen Electric Multiple Units, this paper proposes a novel multi-stack fuel cell hybrid system energy management strategy in consideration of fuel cell degradation. The top layer of the method distributes the power of fuel cells and lithium batteries reasonably according to the Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy, and adjusts the fuel cell power through the feedback power regulation module. The bottom layer distributes the power of different stacks according to the degradation degree. The proposed layering method improves the durability of fuel cells by reducing the fuel cell degradation degree. The hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments results show that, compared with the traditional equivalent hydrogen consumption minimum energy management strategy, the proposed method is effective in lowering the degradation degree and operating pressure of the fuel cell by 25.77% and 35.73% respectively.

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As a clean energy conversion technology, hydrogen fuel cell has great development prospect in the field of sustainable energy. Scientists have been working on the design and optimization of hydrogen fuel cells to make the efficiency and performance higher. This article introduces the main directions and methods of designing and optimizing hydrogen fuel cells. First, the design of hydrogen fuel cell mainly depends on the which catalyst materials you choose and catalyst active sites. For example, precious metal catalysts, transition metal catalysts, and catalysts of nanostructured materials all make a huge impact on battery performance. Improving the activity and stability of catalyst and reducing the cost is one of the key points of this design. In addition, optimizing of the electrolyte film to improve the efficiency and battery life is also key. By taking the above factors into consideration and using advanced materials and technologies, hydrogen fuel cells can achieve high efficiency, high performance, and long life, and promote their commercial application.

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As the application of hydrogen as a clean energy source increasingly expands into the automotive industry, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) have emerged as a pivotal technology for the green transformation of transportation, attributed to their zero emissions, high energy density, and rapid refueling capabilities. However, thermal management issues in hydrogen fuel cell systems significantly impact their performance and lifespan, especially under high-power operating conditions. This study addresses the limitations of existing air and liquid cooling technologies in high-power fuel cell systems by proposing an integrated cooling system design. Through theoretical analysis, structural design, and experimental testing, this paper examines the performance of the integrated cooling system under various operating conditions. The results demonstrate that the system effectively maintains the hydrogen fuel cell within the optimal operating temperature range, addressing the thermal management challenges of traditional cooling methods and enhancing the system's thermal efficiency. The finding... Read More

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The hydrogen cycle system, one of the main systems used for hydrogen fuel cells, has many advantages. It can improve the efficiency, the water capacity, and the management of thermal fuel cells. It can also enhance the safety of the system. Therefore, it is widely used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. We introduce the structure and principles of hydrogen cycle pumps, ejectors, and steam separators and analyze and summarize the advantages of the components, as well as reviewing the latest research progress and industrialization status of hydrogen cycle pumps and ejectors. The technical challenges in hydrogen circulation systems and the development direction of key technologies in the future are discussed. This paper aims to provide a reference for research concerning hydrogen energy storage application technology in hydrogen fuel cell systems.

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This paper investigates fuel cell technology, an efficient and environmentally friendly method for generating electricity by harnessing the energy content of hydrogen or alternative fuels. Fuel cells produce electricity with water, heat, and power as the only by-products when hydrogen is used as fuel, making them a clean and sustainable energy option. Future applications in the hydrogen economy are expected to utilize fuel cells as safe, quiet, and reliable energy sources. Fuel cells exhibit superior efficiency compared to combustion engines, promptly converting fuel energy into electrical energy. Various types and sizes of fuel cells with distinct technological requirements have been developed by scientists and inventors to enhance efficiency. The choice of electrolyte is a critical factor influencing the possibilities available to fuel cell inventors. Beyond exploring the technologys evolution, this paper delves into the diverse applications of fuel cells across different sectors. From transportation to industrial processes and residential power generation, fuel cells play a cruci... Read More

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This chapter describes the theoretical aspects and main characteristics of fuel cells and electrolyzers, a technological field in constant evolution. Hydrogen can be produced through the electrolysis of water to be stored and subsequently supplied to a fuel cell to obtain electrical energy and water as products. The biggest obstacle for these devices is their cost since they are not yet able to compete economically with more traditional energy technologies. The progress of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and PEM electrolyzers is complex and requires significant research on the materials of electrodes (specifically on those were take place the oxygen reduction reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction) membranes and the overall components of both cells. Nevertheless, the development and commercialization of this equipment at market price would give a huge boost to hydrogen systems. Great technical advances have been achieved due to the great effort of researchers in the need to reduce the load of catalysts, enhance the catalytic performance, and improve their components to r... Read More

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To solve the problems of energy and environment, after experimentations and selections, hydrogen steps into the limelight; we call it "the ultimate energy source for the development of human society," and fuel cell technology is an essential step of pursuing the recyclable hydrogen energy. Fuel Cell is viewed as one of "The ideal power generation devices in the 21st century"; it has a high energy transformation efficiency, and the electricity generation process has a low environmental impact. If the fuel is being provided, fuel cells can continuously provide electricity, which can likely be applied in power plants, electric vehicles, electronic devices, mobile communications, and space facilities. This work focuses on Alkaline Fuel Cells. The oxidation-reduction process will be more straightforward in alkaline-based electrolytes than in acidic electrolytes, and the alkaline system will also perform better under room temperature. Besides, Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC) can use non-platinum catalysts, so the cost is lower than the other Fuel Cells. Thus, designing a Hydrogen-based AFC is wh... Read More

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In response to the global energy crisis and climate change, hydrogen has been pointed out as promising fuel to be part of the green energy transition. Thus, countries worldwide have released policies to support and increase the hydrogen industry. Therefore, investigations regarding how hydrogen can be utilized best as a fuel should be addressed to evaluate its potential applications. Since transportation is responsible for 37% of the carbon emissions from the end-use sectors, it is of interest to consider hydrogen fuel for vehicle propulsion. There are two main alternatives that might be considered for the electricity generation from hydrogen: 1) a hydrogen fuel cell onboard the electric vehicle or 2) a hydrogen fuel cell off-board powering the electric vehicle. Therefore, in this work, we propose the modeling and simulation from hydrogen fuel to wheels of the two different systems using the WLTP as the driving cycle reference. For the onboard system, the following components were considered: the vehicle dynamics, the gear, the motor, the inverter, the battery, and the fuel cell syst... Read More

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Due to the global warming problem, the importance of eco-friendly fuels that do not emit environmental pollutants is increasing as a substitute for existing energy sources. Hydrogen, an ecofriendly fuel, is an eco-friendly fuel with high energy density to weight and no emission of environmental pollutants, and its importance as a substitute for existing energy sources is increasing. In particular, hydrogen fuel cells can supply energy stably for a long time due to their high energy conversion efficiency, and water and heat produced as by-products can be used in other areas such as smart farms, so they have high added value other than electricity production. A hydrogen fuel cell consists of a fuel cell stack and BoP (Balance of Plant). A fuel cell stack is a device that produces electricity and heat by reacting hydrogen and oxygen. The BoP constitutes the power system package around the stack, which it performs thermal management, water management, and air supply management to efficiently produce electricity. In this paper, we design the concept of a low-cost slot/rack type fuel cell ... Read More

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A hydrogen fuel cell generates energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen, making it a potential source of an electric power. The following paper presents the characteristics, operating theory, implementations, benefits, and drawbacks of the novel hydrogen fuel cell technologies available. It also covers the techniques for producing and storing hydrogen, which is the main fuel for a fuel cell. Additionally, a brief comparison of internal combustion vehicles (ICEV) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV) is presented. The findings indicate that hydrogen fuel cell technologies have a general framework, a highperformance range of 40 to 60%, an optimal temperature range of 70 to 1000oC, and a reduced natural effect. At the end, a comparative study of five major power generating system is also performed.

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Hydrogen energy is currently considered by many countries as a promising solution to reduce the carbon footprint and includes technologies such as: the production, use, storage, transportation of hydrogen, the production of fuel cells, etc. The article shows the relevance of introducing hydrogen energy as one of the most promising areas for the transition to a decarbonized economy throughout the world. The prospects of using low-temperature hydrogen fuel cells with a proton-exchange membrane as the most efficient and environmentally friendly energy sources for water and other types of transport, which do not require initial heating to operating temperature, are distinguished by fast start-up and reliability, are substantiated. The arrangement and principle of operation of the fuel cell, its main components and their functions are described. The experience of some Russian organizations performing research in terms of improving the characteristics of proton-exchange membranes and gas diffusion layers is presented. A list of domestic membrane technologies for fuel cells and electrolysis... Read More

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Nowadays, in view of the seriousness of the environment pollution and the urgency of raising energy utilization, there is a need to develop green energy. Due to its high utilization rate, Hydrogen fuel cell system is favored by countries all over the world. What the paper studied is the mechanism model of hydrogen fuel cells as well as the influence of H2, O2 pressure difference and relative humidity on the cell voltage and power density with the current density. It is found that the battery performance can be enhanced by increasing relative humidity from 30% to 50% and the difference between hydrogen and oxygen pressure from 5kpa to25kpa within a certain range. More factors will be included for further research, making the model more reliable to be put into use in the green industry.

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Fuel cell power generation is one of the important ways of utilizing hydrogen energy, which has good prospects for development. However, fuel cell volt-ampere characteristics are nonlinear, the output voltage is low and the fluctuation range is large, and a power electronic converter matching its characteristics is required to achieve efficient and stable work. Based on the analysis of the fuel cells characteristic mechanism, maximum power point tracking algorithm, fuel cell converter characteristics, application and converter control strategy, the paper summarizes the general principles of the topology of fuel cell converters. In addition, based on the development status of new energy, hydrogen energy is organically combined with other new energy sources, and the concept of 100% absorption system of new energy with green hydrogen as the main body is proposed to provide a reference for the development of hydrogen energy.

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The lately technology advancements of usage for fuel alternate energy source has gained tremendous pace with several organizations leading active development in the same sector. From all the technologies currently under advance stage of development, hydrogen powered fuel cell technology looks to be promising with very little disadvantages. Major challenge in the same field is the efficiency and thermodynamic voltage improvement by different avenues. The impacts of change in pressure in supplied hydrogen and oxygen, its effects on thermodynamic voltage and possible efficiency improvement. With the improvement in fuel cell voltage, number of fuel cells requirement can be dropped reducing the required area for mounting on mobile applications. This study details the calculations of required fuel flow, air flow, exhaust flow etc. with different pressure is determined. Supercharged fuel cell conceptual study is performed.

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The design and principle of operation of the hydrogen generator are considered, the process efficiency is determined. The chemical composition of the metal hydride hydrogen storage system was investigated. Description of the design and operating principle of the hydrogen fuel cell is given. The results of an experimental study of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle model with registration of electrical parameters are given.

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Addressing the complex design, weight, manufacturing costs and production scalability of conventional hydrogen fuel cell stacks, Bramble Energy's Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell technology aims to revolutionize the FCEV transport sectors

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Abstract Hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining significant attention as a promising alternative for decarbonizing automotive vehicles. At the heart of hydrogen fuel cell technology is the electrode, composed of catalysts, supports, binders, and pores, which facilitates the halfcell reactions and often governs the efficiency of fuel cells. Over the last decade, scientists have made great strides in discovering catalyst, support, and binder materials featuring unique nanostructures and compositions that significantly enhance the efficiency of those devices. While innovations must continue, we must not overlook how these materials are put together to form an electrode and how it impacts the overall efficiency. This perspective article discusses the urgent need for developing alternative electrodes for designing next generation hydrogen fuel cells.

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Hydrogen fuel cells are a potential route to decarbonize the automotive sector due to the zero CO2 tailpipe emissions, faster re-fuelling, and higher energy density than their direct competitor, the battery-electric powertrain. One of the key challenges is to find the best air path configuration to achieve high efficiency in a system level. This work aims to optimize, setup, and demonstrate a highly efficient Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system (PEMFC). This powerplant is hydrogen fuelled and scalable to achieve the required power output for different vehicles. This work evaluates a PEMFC by a 1D-numerical approach. The fuel cell is modelled, validated, and later studied under different air inlet conditions. The main goal is the evaluation of different air path layouts to achieve the highest system efficiency. Numerical simulations of electric compressor and coupled and de-coupled electrically assisted turbocharging are performed with different component sizes and cathode pressures. Therefore, this work provides an overview of our initial findings that will outline the key mode... Read More

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This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the efficiency of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) model kit. The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of hydrogen amount on the overall efficiency of the model. The literature review provides an overview of fuel cell vehicles, their energy conversion processes, energy efficiency, and life cycle CO2 emissions. The lab test involved assembling the model kit car, producing hydrogen through the fuel cell, and measuring the time and hydrogen amount. Calculations were performed to determine the efficiency of the model kit under different hydrogen quantity values. The results demonstrate the relationship between hydrogen amount and efficiency. The findings contribute to the understanding of FCV efficiency and have implications for the development of real-world fuel cell vehicles.

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