In some cases, the reformation can take place directly on the electrode surface, especially methanoltohydrogen. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells provide highpower density and the advantages of low weight and volume compared to other types of fuel cells. In some fuel cell vehicle applications the fuel cells dc power is converted to alternating current ac to run ac induction motors. In the1960s, international fuel cells in windsor connecticut developed a fuel cell power. Types and applications of fuel cells fuel cells are divided into different types, based on the electrolyte used. Grove utilized four cells, each containing hydrogen and oxygen, to produce electric power which was then used to split the water in. Also referred to as proton exchange membrane fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells employ porous carbon electrodes containing a platinum catalyst and a solid polymer as the electrolyte. During the late 1880s two british chemistscarl langer and germanborn ludwig monddeveloped a fuel cell with a longer service. Thus, the different types of fuel cells and the working of an alkaline fuel cell are briefly discussed in this article along with some of the applications of these electrochemical cells. The most commonly used fuels are natural gas and hydrogen, which is discussed here.
At present there are several different fuel cell types at various stages of development around the world, and for each fuel cell type there are several designs being pursued by differing industrial players. Because of that each type has a different electrochemical reaction, catalylist material, fuel required, temperature range and applications. Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as a fuel source is provided. View the hydrogen program video on nrels youtube channel to learn more about the basics of nrels hydrogen and fuel cell research and. Fuel cells are classified into four types on the basis of the materials used for the electrolyte and are further classified into three types by operating temperature.
Fuel gas is any one of a number of fuels that are gaseous under ordinary conditions. First fuel cellfirst fuel cell 3 in 1839, william grove, a british jurist and amateur physicist, first discovered the principle of the fuel cell. The cell he demonstrated was very simple, probably resembling this. Every fuel cell has two electrodes called, respectively, the anode and cathode. Their applications are wideranging with use found in local stations and power plants, in industry for the highly efficient conversion of waste and biomass materials and in carbon dioxide reduction in all fossil fuel burning processes. Hydrogen and fuel cell basics hydrogen and fuel cells nrel. It is the first type widely used on space applications 37, 41. These fuel cells were initially implemented in small portable electronic devices, such as laptops and cell phones. Some types of fuel cells work well for use in stationary power generation plants.
Types of fuel cells how fuel cells work howstuffworks. An overview of fuel cells currently under development. Fuji electric has commercialized phosphoricacid fuel cells. The fuel cell stack utilizes a hydrogen rich gas stream, and there are several approaches to supplying the hydrogen onboard the vehicle. Fuel cell based power generation has been proposed to be applied in transport and distributed energy supply. Fuel cells are unique in terms of the variety of their potential applications.
A fuel cell is composed of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Fuel cell seminar report with ppt and pdf study mafia. British physicist william grove used hydrogen and oxygen as fuels catalyzed on platinum electrodes in 1839. There are many types of fuel cells, but they all consist of an anode, a cathode, and. Devices that convert chemical energy directly into electricity and heat, with high efficiency. Many fuel gases are composed of hydrocarbons such as methane or propane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or mixtures thereof.
This classification determines the kind of electrochemical reactions that take place in the. This classification determines the kind of electrochemical reactions that take place in the cell, the kind of catalysts required, the temperature range in which the cell operates, the fuel required, and other factors. An introduction to fuel cell technology and economics. It is one of the most mature cell types and the first to be used commercially, with over 200 units currently in use.
Electrolysis setup by application of a voltage across the two electrodes, hydrogen and oxygen could. Fuel cell engine technology hydrogen fuel cell engines and related technologies. Fuel cells are divided into different types, based on the electrolyte used. Fuel cell, any of a class of devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity by electrochemical reactions. Alkaline fuel cell an overview sciencedirect topics. This page contains fuel cell seminar and ppt with pdf report. Sumit thakur ece seminars fuel cell seminar and ppt with pdf report. Fuel cells are usually classified by their operating temperature and the type of electrolyte they use. To learn more about this technology and other related topics, register with byjus and download the mobile application on your smartphone. The cathode of one cell is connected the the anode of the next cell. The main issue is the co 2 that is produced which will have to be contained and disposed of. Fuel cell definition, working, types, and applications of. The temperature is high enough to be used for additional power production through cogeneration of steam.
A fuel is any material that can be made to react with other substances so that it releases energy as heat energy or to be used for work. Ammonia as a fuel cell fuel very mild enthalpy of reforming nh 3 is a liquid at room temperature and 10 atm power density is comparable to other liquid fuels vaporizes when throttled no flash line required essentially nonflammable, nonexplosive 180 kwh of electricity from 15 gallons ammonia 38 kg with 50% efficient fuel cell system. Finally, zoning for fuel cell systems is easier than other types of dg systems. Apr 22, 2016 the chapter concludes with a summary of the relative merits of each of the primary fuel cell types. Finally, attention is given to the integration of the fuel cells into complete systems. Their applications are wideranging with use found in local stations and power plants, in industry for the highly efficient conversion of waste and biomass materials and in carbon dioxide reduction in all fossilfuelburning processes. The pem fuel cell with compressed hydrogen fuel is the most popular fuel cell type used for backup power applications. Others may be useful for small portable applications or for powering cars. The reactions that produce electricity take place at the electrodes. If hydrogen is the fuel, electricity, water, and heat are the only products. Can be used anywhereanytime as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied. Every fuel cell also has an electrolyte, which carries electrically charged particles from one electrode to the other, and. A fuel cell resembles a battery in many respects, but it can supply electrical energy over a much longer period of time.
A fuel cell is like a battery in that it generates electricity from an electrochemical reaction. New type of fuel cell produces electricity directly from. Basics of fuel cells, types of fuel cells, and various fuel cell applications. Nrel researchers are working to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a fuel and to advance fuel cell technologies for automobiles, equipment, and buildings. Grove utilized four 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. Fuel cells convert energy from a fuel into electricity via an electrochemical reaction. The general concept of a fuel battery, or fuel cell, dates back to the early days of electrochemistry. Individual fuel cells that are combined in series to increase the power generated.
A section is devoted to fuel generation and storage, which is of paramount importance for the practical aspects of fuel cell use. However, the development of fuel cell is still in its early stages, which must overcome. Table i lists the various types of fuel cells along with electrolyte used, operating temperature, and electrode. But before highlighting differences, ponder a similarity among all. Fuel cell systems are a clean, efficient, reliable, and quiet source of power. Increasing the surface area of the cells increases the current.
Fuel cells are different from most batteries in requiring a continuous source of fuel and oxygen usually from air to sustain the chemical reaction. Beyond the ability to directly use biomass as a fuel, the new cell also offers advantages in sustainability and potentially lower cost compared to. The choice of gasflow arrangement depends on the type of fuel cell, the application, and other. Fuel cell systems can be designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, and in close proximity to sensitive environments. Dec 15, 2000 next, the different types of fuel cells and their main components are explained and the related material issues are presented. Afcs use a liquid solution of potassium hydroxide koh as an electrolyte that conducts ions between two electrodes. Molten carbonate fuel cell mcfc they operate at 600c and can use co as a fuel input on the cathode side but need hydrogen on the anode. The sofc type allows natural gas reformation directly on the electrode surface. Other types of membranes that being researched are. The efficiency of these type of fuel cells has risen to 50% in a combined electrical and steam cycle. This can make it difficult for those new to the field to identify the issues associated with fuel cell development. This is because a fuel cell is continuously supplied with fuel and air or oxygen from an external source, whereas a battery contains only. The researchers also need to compare operation of the system with solar energy and other forms of input energy, such as waste heat from other processes.
Fuel cell systems can be designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, and in close proximity to sensitive environments, people, or animals. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. Since publication of the first edition offuel cell systems explained, three compelling drivers have supported the continuing development of fuel cell technology. Fuel cell technologies program february 2011 printed with a renewablesource ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste. Creates electricity through electrochemical process. A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity by a chemical reaction.
The concept was originally applied solely to those materials capable of releasing chemical energy but has since also been applied to other sources of heat energy such as nuclear energy via nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. The nonstandard fuel cell types include direct liquid. Increasing the number of cells increases the voltage. Nernst equation for reactant species at equilibrium is. A fuel cell uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or another fuel to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity. Since publication of the first edition of fuel cell systems explained, three compelling drivers have supported the continuing development of fuel cell technology. There are many fuel options available such as compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, propane, natural gas as well as many other fuel types. These devices are capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, or vice versa. Alkaline fuel cell system is one of the first developed fuel cell technology with the simplest structure. Alkaline fuelcell system is one of the first developed fuelcell technology with the simplest structure. Pdf fuel cells and their applications researchgate.
Such gases are sources of potential heat energy or light energy that can be readily transmitted and distributed through pipes from the point of origin directly to the place of consumption. May 07, 2016 types of fuel cells, hydrogen fuel cell, advantages, applications slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. An electrochemical cell is a device that can generate electrical energy from the chemical reactions occurring in it, or use the electrical energy supplied to it to facilitate chemical reactions in it. Fuel cells are mainly classified by the characteristics affecting their performance like the type of catalysts, electrolyte used, the fuel required and. Fuel cell seminar report with ppt and pdf parts of fuel cells there are 4 main parts anode cathode catalyst proton exchange membrane types of. The importance of fuel cells for energy saving purposes is emphasised. Polymer electrolyte membrane is also known as proton exchange membrane fuel.
The key to a hydrogen economy ammonia fuel cell systems. A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel often hydrogen and an oxidizing agent often oxygen into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. The dynamic behavior of fuel cells is of importance to insure the stable operation of the fuel cells under various operating conditions. This type of fuel cell is typically used for stationary. The chapter concludes with a summary of the relative merits of each of the primary fuel cell types.