Fuel cell by Rujan Timsina, ioe, tu .pptx

fuel cell

1. Rujan Timsina Assistant Proffesor INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING, TU, Nepal 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 1

2. A Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as its by-product. What is a Fuel Cell? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 2

3. Since conversion of the fuel to energy takes place via an electrochemical process, not combustion It is a clean, quiet and highly efficient process- two to three times more efficient than fuel burning. Why is Fuel Cell Technology Important? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 3

4. It operates similarly to a battery, but it does not run down nor does it require recharging As long as fuel is supplied, a Fuel Cell will produce both energy and heat How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 4

5. A Fuel Cell consists of two catalyst coated electrodes surrounding an electrolyte One electrode is an anode and the other is a cathode How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 5

6. The process begins when Hydrogen molecules enter the anode The catalyst coating separates hydrogen’s negatively charged electrons from the positively charged protons How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 6

7. The electrolyte allows the protons to pass through to the cathode, but not the electrons Instead the electrons are directed through an external circuit which creates electrical current How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 7

8. While the electrons pass through the external circuit, oxygen molecules pass through the cathode There the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons after they have passed through the external circuit When the oxygen and the protons combine with the electrons it produces water and heat How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 8

9. How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 9

10. Individual fuel cells can then be placed in a series to form a fuel cell stack The stack can be used in a system to power a vehicle or to provide stationary power to a building How does a Fuel Cell work? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 10

11. Fuel Cells require highly purified hydrogen as a fuel Researchers are developing a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen economically from a variety of resources in environmentally friendly ways Importance of Hydrogen 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 11

12. Leading Fuel Cells 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 12

13. Hydrogen is a secondary energy resource, meaning it must be made from another fuel Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of energy resources including: Fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal Nuclear energy Renewable resources, such as solar,water, wind and biomass Importance of Hydrogen 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 13

14. The biggest challenge regarding hydrogen production is the cost Reducing the cost of hydrogen production so as to compete in the transportation sector with conventional fuels on a per-Km basis is a significant hurdle to Fuel Cell’s success in the commercial marketplace Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 14

15. There are three general categories of Hydrogen production Thermal Processes Electrolyte Processes Photolytic Processes Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 15

16. Thermal Processes Natural Gas Reforming Gasification Renewable Liquid Reforming Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 16

17. Natural Gas Reforming Steam Methane Reforming Hydrogen is produced from methane in natural gas using high-temperature steam Methane reacts with the steam in presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen This process accounts for about 95% of the hydrogen used today in the U.S. Partial oxidation Produces hydrogen by burning methane in air Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 17

18. Gasification Process in which coal or biomass is converted into gaseous components by applying heat under pressure and in the presence of steam A subsequent series of chemical reactions produces a synthesis gas which reacts with steam to produce more hydrogen that can be separated Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 18

19. Renewable Liquid Reforming Biomass is processed to make renewable liquid fuels, such as ethanol or bio-oil, that are then reacted with high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen This process is very similar to reforming natural gas Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 19

20. Electrolytic Processes Electrolytic processes use an electric current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen The electricity required can be generated by using renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 20

21. Photolytic Processes Uses light energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen These processes are in the very early stages of research but offer the possibility of hydrogen production which is cost effective and has a low environmental impact Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 21

22. Auto manufacturers have worked on developing technology that would allow fuel cell cars to continue using gasoline A “reformer” on the fuel cell car would convert the gasoline to hydrogen onboard the automobile Funding for this technology has been pulled due to unsatisfactory efficiency Hydrogen Production 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 22

23. Developing safe, reliable, compact and cost-effective hydrogen storage is one of the biggest challenges to widespread use of fuel cell technology Hydrogen has physical characteristics that make it difficult to store large quantities without taking up a great deal of space How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 23

24. Hydrogen will need to be stored onboard vehicles, at hydrogen production sites, refueling stations and stationary power sites Hydrogen has a very high energy content by weight (3x more than gasoline) and a very low energy content by volume (4x less than gasoline) How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 24

25. If the hydrogen is compressed and stored at room temperature under moderate pressure, too large a fuel tank would be required Researchers are trying to find light-weight, safe, composite materials that can help reduce the weight and volume of compressed gas storage systems How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 25

26. Liquid hydrogen could be kept in a smaller tank than gaseous hydrogen, but liquefying hydrogen is complicated and not energy efficient Liquid hydrogen is also extremely sensitive to heat and expands significantly when warmed by even a few degrees, thus the tank insulation required affects the weight and volume that can be stored How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 26

27. If the hydrogen is compressed and cryogenically frozen it will take up a very small amount of space requiring a smaller tank, but it must be kept supercold- around -120 to -196 degrees Celsius How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 27

28. Scientists are researching Materials-based storage This involves tightly binding hydrogen atoms or molecules with other elements in a compound to store larger quantities of hydrogen in smaller volumes at low pressure near room temperature This technology is considered very promising but additional research is needed to overcome problems dealing with capacity, cost, life cycle impacts and the uptake and release of hydrogen How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 28

29. Because hydrogen is thought to be an alternative fuel for automobiles, much of the research for hydrogen storage is focused on onboard vehicles Scientists are attempting to develop technology that can rival the performance and cost of gasoline fuel storage systems How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 29

30. Using current storage technology, in order to place a sufficient amount of hydrogen onboard a vehicle to provide 300-mile driving range the tank would be larger that the trunk of a typical automobile This large of a tank would add to the overall weight of the car and reduce fuel economy How will the hydrogen be stored? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 30

31. Transportation Stationary Power Stations Telecommunications Micro Power How can Fuel Cell technology be used? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 31

32. How can Fuel Cell technology be used? Transportation All major automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car Automakers and experts speculate that a fuel cell vehicle will be commercialized by 2010 50 fuel cell buses are currently in use in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia Trains, planes, boats, scooters, forklifts and even bicycles are utilizing fuel cell technology as well 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 32

33. Stationary Power Stations Over 2,500 fuel cell systems have been installed all over the world in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, schools and utility power plants Most of these systems are either connected to the electric grid to provide supplemental power and backup assurance or as a grid-independent generator for locations that are inaccessible by power lines How can Fuel Cell technology be used? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 33

34. Telecommunications Due to computers, the Internet and sophisticated communication networks there is a need for an incredibly reliable power source Fuel Cells have been proven to be 99.999% reliable How can Fuel Cell technology be used? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 34

35. How can Fuel Cell technology be used? Micro Power Consumer electronics could gain drastically longer battery power with Fuel Cell technology Cell phones can be powered for 30 days without recharging Laptops can be powered for 20 hours without recharging 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 35

36. Physical Security Reliability Efficiency Environmental Benefits Battery Replacement/Alternative Military Applications What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 36

37. Physical Security Both central station power generation and long distance, high voltage power grids can be terrorist targets in an attempt to cripple our energy infrastructure Fuel Cells allow the country to discontinue reliance on these potential targets What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 37

38. Efficiency Because no fuel is burned to make energy, fuel cells are fundamentally more efficient than combustion systems Additionally when the heat comes off of the fuel cell system it can be captured for beneficial purposes This is called Cogeneration What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 38

39. Efficiency The gasoline engine in a conventional car is less than 20% efficient in converting the chemical energy in gasoline into power Fuel Cell motors are much more efficient and use 40-60% of the hydrogen’s energy Fuel Cell cars would lead to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption Fuel Cell vehicles can be up to 3 times more efficient than internal combustion engines What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 39

40. Efficiency Fuel Cell power generation systems in operation today achieve 40% to 50% fuel-to-electricity efficiency In combination with a turbine, electrical efficiencies can exceed 60% When Cogeneration is used, fuel utilization can exceed 85% What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 40

41. Environmental Benefits Fuels cells can reduce air pollution today and offer the possibility of eliminating pollution in the future What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 41

42. Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Power Generation A fuel cell power plant may create less than one ounce of pollution per 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity produced Conventional combustion generating systems produce 25 pounds of pollutants for the same electricity What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 42

43. Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles Fuel Cell Vehicles with hydrogen stored on-board produce ZERO POLLUTION in the conventional sense The only byproducts of these Fuel Cell vehicles are water and heat What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 43

44. Environmental Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles Fuel Cell Vehicles with a reformer on board to convert a liquid fuel to hydrogen would produce a small amount of pollutants, but it would be 90% less than the pollutants produced from combustion engines What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 44

45. Battery replacement/alternative Fuel Cell replacements for batteries would offer much longer operating life in a packaged of lighter or equal weight Additionally, Fuel Cell replacements would have an environmental advantage over batteries, since certain kinds of batteries require special disposal treatment What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 45

46. Military Applications Fuel Cell technology in the military can help save lives because it reduces telltale heat and noise in combat Handheld battlefield computers can be powered for 10 times longer with Fuel Cell power meaning soldiers could rely on their computers in the field for longer periods of time What are the benefits of Fuel Cell technology? 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 46

47. Cost The cost of fuel cells must be reduced to compete with conventional technologies Conventional internal combustion engines cost $25-$35/kW; a fuel cell system would need to cost $30/kW to be competitive Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 47

48. Durability and Reliability Durability of fuel cell systems have not yet been adequately established The durability standard for automobiles is approximately 150,000 miles and the ability to function under normal vehicle operating conditions For stationary systems 40,000 hours of reliable operation in a temperature range of -35 degree Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius will be required for market acceptance Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 48

49. System Size The size and weight of current fuel cell systems must be reduced to attain market acceptance, especially with automobiles Challenges to Fuel Cell Technology 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 49

50. Promising technology Most viable for niche market use in the near future Widespread marketplace acceptance and use is still many years away Conclusion 6/26/2024 Fuel Cell , By: RUJAN TIMSINA 50