Development of Intermediate Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell with Multi-Functional Plate
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) technology is considered as the most suitable zero carbon emission solution for transportation applications. PEFCs with operating temperatures of between 100oC and 120oC, coined 'intermediate temperature' PEFC (IT-PEFC), provide several benefits including; improved reaction rate, slightly higher tolerance to contaminants in the fuel stream, lower liquid water build-up, and simplified BOP system. In PEFC stacks, the bipolar plate (BPP) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) are significant cost-drivers. Therefore, BPP/GDL materials and flow-field pattern optimisation can greatly improve stack performance and reduce costs. Porous metallic foam can be applied as alternative of BPPs or GDLs of PEFCs resulting lower weight, lower contact resistance, and more uniform distribution of current density over the catalyst layer. In this project, design, fabrication and test of a metal foam plate as well as a thin metal plate for IT-PEFC will be performed. This set of plates, the so-called multifunctional plate (MFP), replaced BPPs and GDLs of conventional cells, increasing the volumetric power density by reducing the thickness of the single repeating unit up to 60%. Moreover, with the use of MFP, the manufacturing of GDL and BPP can be combined into a single process, resulting in a substantial reduction in manufacturing cost.
To reach the projects aims, a range of activities including numerical simulation, fabrication, tests and feasibility study will be performed via 4 work packages: 1. MFP design via numerical simulation; 2. Prototyping/ ex-situ/ in-situ test of MFP-ITPEFC; 3. Manufacturing/test of short stacks, and 4. Techno-economics study for commercialisation.
The ambitious aim will be achieved with the complementary skills of fellow and supervisors, based on the unique properties of metallic foam, major features of IT-PEFCs, a well-designed training scheme, and the excellent experience and facilities of industrial partners.
To reach the projects aims, a range of activities including numerical simulation, fabrication, tests and feasibility study will be performed via 4 work packages: 1. MFP design via numerical simulation; 2. Prototyping/ ex-situ/ in-situ test of MFP-ITPEFC; 3. Manufacturing/test of short stacks, and 4. Techno-economics study for commercialisation.
The ambitious aim will be achieved with the complementary skills of fellow and supervisors, based on the unique properties of metallic foam, major features of IT-PEFCs, a well-designed training scheme, and the excellent experience and facilities of industrial partners.
Publications
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Heidary H
(2023)
Life cycle assessment of solid oxide fuel cell vehicles in a natural gas producing country; comparison with proton electrolyte fuel cell, battery and gasoline vehicles
in Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
Description | First experiments with metal foam contacting elements have delivered rather surprising data that are now under further consideration. |
Exploitation Route | We are looking at accelerator and translational funding, partly already obtained. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Transport |
Description | University of Birmingham EPSRC IAA Awards |
Amount | £25,347 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Department | College of Engineering and Physical Sciences |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2024 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Teaching engagement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Running tutorials with students in MSc modules |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |