scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Journal ArticleDOI

Heat and Mass Transport in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells—A Review

01 Aug 2009-Heat Transfer Engineering (Taylor & Francis Group)-Vol. 30, Iss: 9, pp 691-719
TL;DR: In this paper, a review brings out those aspects of the development of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells over the last two to three decades that are of interest to the heat and mass transfer community.
Abstract: This review brings out those aspects of the development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells over the last two to three decades that are of interest to the heat and mass transfer community. Because the heat transport and mass transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cells are very important from the efficiency point of view, an emphasis is given here to these transports and their influence on operating cell parameters. The works are classified as models with either isothermal or non-isothermal conditions of various assumed dimensionality and with either single-phase or two-phase flow. Along with modeling, a few experimental studies available are also reported here. Researchers in the area of PEM fuel cells are involved in activities such as development of new and low-cost materials, modeling the relevant physical processes, and electrochemical experimentation. These collective efforts may lead to making this technology viable to meet world needs for clean and cheap energy. This review brings out...
Citations
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in PEMFC stack testing can be found in this paper, where the authors discuss the main topics of investigation, including single cell vs. stack-level performance, cell voltage uniformity, influence of operating conditions, durability and degradation, dynamic operation, and stack demonstrations.

174 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied the structure, swelling, water solubility, and water transport kinetics as a function of relative humidity for confined polyelectrolyte films thinner than 222 nm.
Abstract: Fuel cells based on polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) show promise as a means of energy conversion for a wide range of applications both in the transportation sector and for stationary power production due to their high charge density and low operating temperatures. While the structure and transport of bulk PEMs for fuel cell applications have been studied extensively, much less is known about these materials at interfaces and under confinement, conditions that are highly relevant in the membrane electrode assembly of a working PEM fuel cell. Using X-ray reflectivity, neutron reflectivity, grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, quartz crystal microbalance, and polarization-modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy, we have studied the structure, swelling, water solubility, and water transport kinetics as a function of relative humidity for confined polyelectrolyte films thinner than 222 nm. While the humidity-dependent equilibrium swelling ratio, volumetric water fraction, and effe...

165 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present state-of-the-art mass transport models applied to PEME, a detailed literature review of these models and associate methods have been conducted.

124 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of porosity heterogeneity on the bulk hydrodynamic properties (permeability and tortuosity) of simulated gas diffusion layers (GDLs) was investigated.

75 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a case study on the design of a fuel cell micro-cogeneration plant and illustrate the use of modelling and optimisation in generating different design alternatives that contain trade-offs between competing objectives.

73 citations

References
More filters
Book
25 May 1984
TL;DR: An overview of diffusion and separation processes brings unsurpassed, engaging clarity to this complex topic as mentioned in this paper, which is a key part of the undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum and at the core of understanding chemical purification and reaction engineering.
Abstract: This overview of diffusion and separation processes brings unsurpassed, engaging clarity to this complex topic. Diffusion is a key part of the undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum and at the core of understanding chemical purification and reaction engineering. This spontaneous mixing process is also central to our daily lives, with importance in phenomena as diverse as the dispersal of pollutants to digestion in the small intestine. For students, Diffusion goes from the basics of mass transfer and diffusion itself, with strong support through worked examples and a range of student questions. It also takes the reader right through to the cutting edge of our understanding, and the new examples in this third edition will appeal to professional scientists and engineers. Retaining the trademark enthusiastic style, the broad coverage now extends to biology and medicine.

5,195 citations


"Heat and Mass Transport in Proton E..." refers background or methods in this paper

  • ...These coefficients were calculated according to the empirical relation of Cussler [61], Dij = T 7/4 ( 1 Mi + 1 Mj )1/2 p [ ( ∑ k Vki) 1/3 + (∑k Vkj)1/3]2 × 10−3 (55) where T is temperature (K), p is pressure (atm), Vki is the atomic diffusion volume, and Mi and Mj are molecular weights of species i and j , respectively....

    [...]

  • ...The values of ∑ Vki are given in Cussler [61]....

    [...]

  • ...These coefficients were calculated according to the empirical relation of Cussler [61],...

    [...]

01 Jan 2003

4,246 citations

Book
01 Jan 2000
TL;DR: In this paper, the first edition of this paper, the authors presented an analysis of fuel cell systems and their performance in terms of Molar Gibbs Free Energy Calculations (GFE) and Open Circuit Voltage.
Abstract: Preface. Foreword to the first edition. Acknowledgements. Abbreviations. Symbols. Introduction. Efficiency and Open Circuit Voltage. Operational Fuel Cell Voltages. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. Alkaline Electrolyte Fuel Cells. Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. Medium and High Temperature Fuel Cells. Fuelling Fuel Cells. Compressors, Turbines, Ejectors, Fans, Blowers, and Pumps. Delivering Fuel Cell Power. Fuel Cell Systems Analysed. Appendix 1: Change in Molar Gibbs Free Energy Calculations. Appendix 2: Useful Fuel Cell Equations. Index.

4,202 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an isothermal, one-dimensional, steady-state model for a complete polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a 117 Nation | membrane is presented, which predicts an increase in membrane resistance with increased current density and demonstrates the great advantage of a thinner membrane in alleviating this resistance problem.
Abstract: We present here an isothermal, one-dimensional, steady-state model for a complete polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a 117 Nation | membrane. In this model we employ water diffusion coefficients electro-osmotic drag coefficients, water sorption isotherms, and membrane conductivities, all measured in our laboratory as functions of membrane water content. The model pre.dicts a net-water-per-proton flux ratio of 0.2 H20/H § under typical operating conditions, which is much less than the measured electro-osmotic drag coefficient for a fully hydrated membrane. It also predicts an increase in membrane resistance with increased current density and demonstrates the great advantage of a thinner membrane in alleviating this resistance problem. Both of these predictions were verified experimentally under certain conditions.

3,013 citations


"Heat and Mass Transport in Proton E..." refers methods in this paper

  • ...[22] and used thin-film catalyst layers bonded directly to the membrane and a separate catalyst-free hydrophobic backing layer....

    [...]

  • ...[22] carried out the foundation work by developing a 1-D model with isothermal conditions to evaluate Nafion 117 membrane losses....

    [...]

Book
02 Dec 2005
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of fuel cell technologies and their application in the field of energy-efficient vehicular networks, focusing on the performance of fuel cells in terms of energy efficiency and performance.
Abstract: PREFACE.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.NOMENCLATURE.I FUEL CELL PRINCIPLES.1 INTRODUCTION.1.1 What Is a Fuel Cell?1.2 A Simple Fuel Cell.1.3 Fuel Cell Advantages.1.4 Fuel Cell Disadvantages.1.5 Fuel Cell Types.1.6 Basic Fuel Cell Operation.1.7 Fuel Cell Performance.1.8 Characterization and Modeling.1.9 Fuel Cell Technology.1.10 Fuel Cells and the Environment.2 FUEL CELL THERMODYNAMICS.2.1 Thermodynamics Review.2.2 Heat Potential of a Fuel: Enthalpy of Reaction.2.3 Work Potential of a Fuel: Gibbs Free Energy.2.4 Predicting Reversible Voltage of a Fuel Cell under Non-Standard-State Conditions.2.5 Fuel Cell Efficiency.3 FUEL CELL REACTION KINETICS.3.1 Introduction to Electrode Kinetics.3.2 Why Charge Transfer Reactions Have an Activation Energy.3.3 Activation Energy Determines Reaction Rate.3.4 Calculating Net Rate of a Reaction.3.5 Rate of Reaction at Equilibrium: Exchange Current Density.3.6 Potential of a Reaction at Equilibrium: Galvani Potential.3.7 Potential and Rate: Butler-Volmer Equation.3.8 Exchange Currents and Electrocatalysis: How to Improve Kinetic Performance.3.9 Simplified Activation Kinetics: Tafel Equation.3.10 Different Fuel Cell Reactions Produce Different Kinetics.3.11 Catalyst-Electrode Design.3.12 Quantum Mechanics: Framework for Understanding Catalysis in Fuel Cells.4 FUEL CELL CHARGE TRANSPORT.4.1 Charges Move in Response to Forces.4.2 Charge Transport Results in a Voltage Loss.4.3 Characteristics of Fuel Cell Charge Transport Resistance.4.4 Physical Meaning of Conductivity.4.5 Review of Fuel Cell Electrolyte Classes.4.6 More on Diffusivity and Conductivity (Optional).4.7 Why Electrical Driving Forces Dominate Charge Transport (Optional).5 FUEL CELL MASS TRANSPORT.5.1 Transport in Electrode versus Flow Structure.5.2 Transport in Electrode: Diffusive Transport.5.3 Transport in Flow Structures: Convective Transport.6 FUEL CELL MODELING.6.1 Putting It All Together: A Basic Fuel Cell Model.6.2 A 1D Fuel Cell Model.6.3 Fuel Cell Models Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (Optional).7 FUEL CELL CHARACTERIZATION.7.1 What Do We Want to Characterize?7.2 Overview of Characterization Techniques.7.3 In Situ Electrochemical Characterization Techniques.7.4 Ex Situ Characterization Techniques.II FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY.8 OVERVIEW OF FUEL CELL TYPES.8.1 Introduction.8.2 Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell.8.3 Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell.8.4 Alkaline Fuel Cell.8.5 Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell.8.6 Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell.8.7 Summary Comparison.9 OVERVIEW OF FUEL CELL SYSTEMS.9.1 Fuel Cell Stack (Fuel Cell Subsystem).9.2 The Thermal Management Subsystem.9.3 Fuel Delivery/Processing Subsystem.9.4 Power Electronics Subsystem.9.5 Case Study of Fuel Cell System Design: Sizing a Portable Fuel Cell.10 FUEL CELL SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND SUBSYSTEM DESIGN.10.1 Integrated Overview of Four Primary Subsystems.10.2 External Reforming: Fuel Processing Subsystems.10.3 Thermal Management Subsystem.11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FUEL CELLS.11.1 Life Cycle Assessment.11.2 Important Emissions for LCA.11.3 Emissions Related to Global Warming.11.4 Emissions Related to Air Pollution.11.5 Analyzing Entire Scenarios with LCA.APPENDIXES.A. CONSTANTS AND CONVERSIONS.B. THERMODYNAMIC DATA.C. STANDARD ELECTRODE POTENTIALS AT 25 C.D. QUANTUM MECHANICS.D.1. Atomic Orbitals.D.2. Postulates of Quantum Mechanics.D.3. One-Dimensional Electron Gas.D.4. Analogy to Column Buckling.D.5 .Hydrogen Atom.E. GOVERNING EQUATIONS OF CFD FUEL CELL MODEL.F. PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS.G. SUGGESTED FURTHER READING.BIBLIOGRAPHY.IMPORTANT EQUATIONS.INDEX.

1,976 citations


"Heat and Mass Transport in Proton E..." refers background in this paper

  • ...The analysis of molar free energy change Δĝ for a half-cell reaction can be found in the literature [ 19 ]....

    [...]