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A portable system powered with hydrogen and one single air-breathing PEM fuel cell

Author

Listed:
  • Fernández-Moreno, J.
  • Guelbenzu, G.
  • Martín, A.J.
  • Folgado, M.A.
  • Ferreira-Aparicio, P.
  • Chaparro, A.M.

Abstract

A portable system for power generation based on hydrogen and a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been built and operated. The fuel cell is fed in the anode with hydrogen stored in a metal hydrides cartridge, and in the cathode with oxygen from quiescent ambient air (‘air breathing’). The control electronics of the system performs DC–DC conversion from the low voltage (0.5–0.8V) and high current output (200–300mAcm−2) of the single fuel cell, up to 3.3V to power an electronic application. System components assist fuel cell operation, including an electronic valve for anode purging, a fan in front of the open cathode, two supercapacitors for auxiliary power requirements, four LED lights, and a display screen. The influence of the system components on fuel cell behaviour is analyzed. The cathode fan and anodic purging help excess water removal from the electrodes leading to steadier cell response at the expense of extra power consumption. The power system is able to provide above 1W DC electricity to an external application during 20h using 1g of H2. An application consisting of a propeller able to display a luminous message is chosen to test system. It is shown that one single air breathing PEM fuel cell powered with hydrogen may provide high energy density and autonomy for portable applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernández-Moreno, J. & Guelbenzu, G. & Martín, A.J. & Folgado, M.A. & Ferreira-Aparicio, P. & Chaparro, A.M., 2013. "A portable system powered with hydrogen and one single air-breathing PEM fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 60-66.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:109:y:2013:i:c:p:60-66
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.03.076
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Achmad, F. & Kamarudin, S.K. & Daud, W.R.W. & Majlan, E.H., 2011. "Passive direct methanol fuel cells for portable electronic devices," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(5), pages 1681-1689, May.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jouin, Marine & Bressel, Mathieu & Morando, Simon & Gouriveau, Rafael & Hissel, Daniel & Péra, Marie-Cécile & Zerhouni, Noureddine & Jemei, Samir & Hilairet, Mickael & Ould Bouamama, Belkacem, 2016. "Estimating the end-of-life of PEM fuel cells: Guidelines and metrics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 87-97.
    3. Andújar, J.M. & Segura, F. & Isorna, F. & Calderón, A.J., 2018. "Comprehensive diagnosis methodology for faults detection and identification, and performance improvement of Air-Cooled Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 193-207.
    4. Kurnia, Jundika C. & Chaedir, Benitta A. & Sasmito, Agus P. & Shamim, Tariq, 2021. "Progress on open cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Performance, designs, challenges and future directions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    5. Baik, Kyung Don & Yang, Seong Ho, 2020. "Development of cathode cooling fins with a multi-hole structure for open-cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    6. Pei, Pucheng & Chen, Huicui, 2014. "Main factors affecting the lifetime of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells in vehicle applications: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 60-75.
    7. Deng, Bo & Huang, Wentao & Jian, Qifei, 2023. "An open-cathode PEMFC efficiency optimization strategy based on exergy analysis and data-driven modeling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    8. Calili-Cankir, Fatma & Ismail, Mohammed S. & Ingham, Derek B. & Hughes, Kevin J. & Ma, Lin & Pourkashanian, Mohamed, 2023. "Air-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 86-108.
    9. Kim, Sung Han & Miesse, Craig M. & Lee, Hee Bum & Chang, Ik Whang & Hwang, Yong Sheen & Jang, Jae Hyuk & Cha, Suk Won, 2014. "Ultra compact direct hydrogen fuel cell prototype using a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank for a mobile phone," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 382-391.
    10. Bressel, Mathieu & Hilairet, Mickael & Hissel, Daniel & Ould Bouamama, Belkacem, 2016. "Extended Kalman Filter for prognostic of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 220-227.

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