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Advancement of Segmented Cell Technology in Low Temperature Hydrogen Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Indro Biswas

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Daniel G. Sánchez

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Mathias Schulze

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Jens Mitzel

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Benjamin Kimmel

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Building Energetics, Thermal Engineering and Energy Storage (IGTE), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Aldo Saul Gago

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Pawel Gazdzicki

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • K. Andreas Friedrich

    (Electrochemical Energy Technology, Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Pfaffenwaldring 38-40, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    Institute of Building Energetics, Thermal Engineering and Energy Storage (IGTE), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

The durability and performance of electrochemical energy converters, such as fuel cells and electrolysers, are not only dependent on the properties and the quality of the used materials. They strongly depend on the operational conditions. Variations in external parameters, such as flow, pressure, temperature and, obviously, load, can lead to significant local changes in current density, even local transients. Segmented cell technology was developed with the purpose to gain insight into the local operational conditions in electrochemical cells during operation. The operando measurement of the local current density and temperature distribution allows effective improvement of operation conditions, mitigation of potentially critical events and assessment of the performance of new materials. The segmented cell, which can replace a regular bipolar plate in the current state of the technology, can be used as a monitoring tool and for targeted developments. This article gives an overview of the development and applications of this technology, such as for water management or fault recognition. Recent advancements towards locally resolved monitoring of humidity and to current distributions in electrolysers are outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • Indro Biswas & Daniel G. Sánchez & Mathias Schulze & Jens Mitzel & Benjamin Kimmel & Aldo Saul Gago & Pawel Gazdzicki & K. Andreas Friedrich, 2020. "Advancement of Segmented Cell Technology in Low Temperature Hydrogen Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:9:p:2301-:d:354423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Melnik, Daniel & Bürger, Inga & Mitzel, Jens & Käß, Julian & Sarkezi-Selsky, Patrick & Jahnke, Thomas & Knöri, Torsten, 2024. "Energy efficient cold start of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell coupled to a thermochemical metal hydride preheater," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    2. Kimmel, Benjamin & Garcia-Sanchez, D. & Morawietz, T. & Schulze, M. & Biswas, I. & Gago, A.S. & Friedrich, K.A., 2025. "Opportunities of in situ diagnostics and current distribution in proton exchange membrane water Electrolyzers with segmented bipolar plates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 380(C).

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