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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Hydrogen fuel cells are an important technology that can shape the future of clean energy sources. This technology offers the key to an environmentally friendly future by enabling zero-emission energy production and sustainable vehicle systems. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electrical energy using hydrogen gas and emit only water vapor. Therefore, they offer a clean alternative to energy production and vehicle systems without releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. In this study; It discusses in detail the basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, sustainability potential, growth expectation, challenges encountered, steps and opportunities required for its widespread use of hydrogen fuel cells technology. Hydrogen fuel cells have growth potential as the demand for clean energy increases. Solutions such as developing green hydrogen production methods, expanding infrastructure and government incentive policies can contribute to the widespread use of this technology. The article highlights that hydrogen fuel cells technology has an important role in the future clean energy tra... Read More

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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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Nowadays, with the increasing use of fossil fuels, more and more environmental problems appear, like global warming and air quality degradation. In different industries that use fossil fuels as fuel, the harmful greenhouse gases emitted by car engines account for a large proportion. This paper will discuss the hydrogen fuel cells used for vehicles nowadays, which consist of three different kinds. These hydrogen fuel cells have similar structures, only different in some specific sectors. They have many advantages over traditional fossil fuels, like higher efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The basic structure, development process, principle, and catalysts needed for reaction will be introduced. Also, the advantages of each of the fuel cells will be discussed compared to others. The study of hydrogen cells in this paper can help understand its benefits. By promoting the development of hydrogen fuel cells, there will be more clean and efficient energy options in the future.

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The use of non-renewable energy leads to frequent ecological and climate problems, and the exploitation and utilization of clean energy has become the general trend of energy transformation and development in various countries. This article introduces the hydrogen fuel cell technology, its advantages and disadvantages, and its applications, and finally discusses the innovation and challenges. Firstly, this paper introduces the working principle of hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to undergo Reduction-oxidation (REDOX) reactions under the action of a catalyst to produce electricity and water. The process is both efficient and emission-free, making it an ideal way to convert clean energy. Secondly, the composition of hydrogen fuel cell is introduced in this paper. Hydrogen fuel cell consists of hydrogen supply system, oxygen supply system, electrolyte membrane, anode, cathode and other components. The components work together to achieve the storage, delivery and reaction of hydrogen gas with oxygen into electricity. Then, this paper analyzes the advantage... Read More

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The current development of hydrogen fuel cells as a ship power source is reviewed, and the characteristics of hydrogen fuel cell powered ships are summarized, as well as the development and research status of relevant technologies, including standardized specification of hydrogen fuel cell power, the safety of hydrogen system and production and storage of hydrogen. Based on the current research in various countries, the challenges faced by the development of hydrogen fuel cell-powered ships are put forward. According to the research survey, the number of hydrogen fuel-powered ships in the world is limited, and most of them are small passenger ships in inland rivers and lakes. The formulation of relevant standards and specifications for hydrogen fuel cell-powered ships is still in development. Hydrogen fuel cell is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to apply hydrogen fuel to ship power. Hydrogen fuel storage can be optimally installed on a ship using a combination of different methods.

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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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As the development of hydrogen fuel cell cars moves from concept to mass production, customers need safe, practical, and easy refueling experiences. The performance and lifetime of fuel cell stacks, as well as other operational factors like valve functioning, are greatly influenced by the purity of hydrogen. The advances achieved by earlier researchers in promoting hydrogen as a possible significant fuel source for the future are fully examined in this publication. Hydrogen is an energy carrier that has the potential to replace fossil fuels. It may be used as a fuel source for cars that run on fuel cells as well as internal combustion engines. To minimize aberrant combustion, extra consideration has to be given to engine design when considering hydrogen as a fuel for internal combustion engines. This strategy may result in higher power output, lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and enhanced engine efficiency. The research explores the designs of fuel cell cars that use hydrogen by converting it into energy as well as the designs of internal combustion vehicles fueled by hydrogen v... Read More

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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 technology’s 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 paper focuses on the determinants of establishing dominant hydrogen fuel cell technology designs in the maritime industry. By systematically studying the battle between the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cell it arrives at factors for design dominance. This is the first time that factors for design dominance are studied in the maritime industry and the paper offers novel empirical material from a distinct sector. It also provides a first indication that the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell will have the highest chance to become the dominant design although the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cell is a close follower. The paper discusses contributions, implications, and future research recommendations for the literature on dominant designs.

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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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The main purpose of this article is to introduce fuel cells and fuel cell engines. This article begins with an explanation of the beginnings and development of the fuel cell. It then discusses the advancements in modern science and technology that have led to the creation of various types of fuel cells, as well as their characteristics and advantages. For instance, fuel cells can be used in many ways because it only requires hydrogen and oxygen to transform chemical energy into electrical energy and helps to reduce pollution in the atmosphere. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of fuel cell engines is undoubtedly higher than that of gasoline and diesel engines. The following article illustrates how fuel cells might be utilized in contemporary life, including the benefits of fuel cells over conventional internal combustion engines. However, fuel cells also have many drawbacks, such as the fact that hydrogen is typically difficult to store at room temperature and pressure. Furthermore, fuel cells are typically not very long-lasting and are very expensive, both of which are factors that a... Read More

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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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This paper provides an in-depth review of the current state and future potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). The urgency for more eco-friendly and efficient alternatives to fossil-fuel-powered vehicles underlines the necessity of HFCVs, which utilize hydrogen gas to power an onboard electric motor, producing only water vapor and heat. Despite their impressive energy efficiency ratio (EER), higher power-to-weight ratio, and substantial emissions reduction potential, the widespread implementation of HFCVs is presently hindered by several technical and infrastructural challenges. These include high manufacturing costs, the relatively low energy density of hydrogen, safety concerns, fuel cell durability issues, insufficient hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and the complexities of hydrogen storage and transportation. Nevertheless, technological advancements and potential policy interventions offer promising prospects for HFCVs, suggesting they could become a vital component of sustainable transportation in the future.

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