- Email: [email protected]
Membrane-electrode-gasket assembly (MEGA) technology for PEMFCs
RESEARCH TRENDS fuel cells with integrated hydrogen storage; and development of components for direct methanol fuel cells.
Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik (ZBT) The ZBT in Duisburg was established in 2001 for development, system integration and coordination across stationary, automotive and portable fuel cell systems. Its R&D portfolio ranges from prototype assembly to small series production. The institute links basic research at universities and its industrial application. Its activities are focused in four divisions: Gas process and hydrogen technology; Materials and components for fuel cell stacks; Systems and Applications; and Simulation and integration. In particular its researchers are working on compact PEM hydrogen generators, stack characterization for various manufacturers, development of its own stacks, and integrating hydrogen technology and fuel cells into power supply systems.
Research Trends Array MEAs for high-throughput screening of DMFC anode catalysts A high-throughput screening device for fuel cell electrocatalysts was developed incorporating fuel cell design features. State-of-the-art MEA fabrication methods permitted catalyst testing with realistic reactant exposure histories and steadystate reaction conditions. Results are reported for testing of several DMFC anode catalysts. R. Liu and E.S. Smotkin: J. of Electroanalytical Chemistry 535(1/2) 49–55 (1 November 2002).
Link between power and energy density in DMFCs DMFC performance data were used to model a continuous loop mode, clarifying the impact of parameter variations on energy and power density. Compromises are required for reasonable energy and power densities to be simultaneously maintained in DMFCs using Nafion™ 117. B. Gurau and E.S. Smotkin: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 339–352 (14 November 2002).
Hybrid compressive mica SOFC seals Thermal cycling was conducted on compressive mica SOFC seals at 800°C in air for plain and hybrid designs. The hybrid adds two glass interlayers, for greatly reduced leakage. The muscovite mica in the hybrid could yield a fuel leak of ~0.9% of the total for a 60-cell stack. Y.-S. Chou and J.W. Stevenson: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 376–383 (14 November 2002). 12
Fuel Cells Bulletin
New members welcome Even with more than 230 members already, the Fuel Cell Network is keen to recruit new members with expertise that is needed for the development of fuel cell systems. In particular, it would welcome approaches from companies from industrial branches of chemistry, materials, mechanical, chemical or electrical engineering that could play an important role as system integrators or suppliers. Membership – and inclusion in the ‘Industries Atlas’ – is free, and is necessary for participation in the working groups. Application forms can be found on the website. The Network offers various services: • • • •
Information and communication (e.g. conferences, a newsletter, working groups). Cooperative and individual projects. Qualification (e.g. workshops, round-tables, company visits). Internationalization (e.g. participation in delegations and trade fairs, contacts with international fuel cell initiatives).
•
•
Settlement (e.g. consultancy in cooperation with regional industrial assistance, and acquisition of companies willing to relocate to NRW). Public relations (e.g. a website including a members-only area, an online ‘industries atlas’, technical publications).
For more information on the Fuel Cell Network NRW, contact: Dr-Ing Frank Koch or Dr-Ing Ernst Kugeler, Fuel Cell Network NRW [Kompetenz-Netzwerk Brennstoffzelle NRW], c/o NRW State Initiative on Future Energies [Landesinitiative Zukunftsenergien NRW], Haroldstrasse 4, D-40213 Düsseldorf, Germany. Tel: +49 211 86642-16 (Dr-Ing Koch) or -15 (Dr-Ing Kugeler), Fax: +49 211 86642-22, Email: brennstoffzelle@energieland. nrw.de (or [email protected] or kugeler@ energieland.nrw.de), Web: www.fuelcell-nrw.de or www.brennstoffzelle-nrw.de For more information on the projects or project funding, contact the executive body of the ‘REN Programme’: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Projektträger ETN, D-52425 Jülich, Germany. Tel: +49 2461 690601, Fax: +49 2461 690610, Email: [email protected], Web: www.kfa-juelich.de/etn
Micro fuel cell array with ‘flip-flop’ interconnection
Membrane-electrode-gasket assembly (MEGA) technology for PEMFCs
This design for integrated series connection of PEMFCs in a planar array is particularly favorable for miniature fuel cells, and has been prototyped using etch and deposition techniques. The ‘flipflop’ configuration gives the advantage of a continuous electrolyte with no interconnecting bridges across or around the membrane. S.J. Lee, A. Chang-Chien, S.W. Cha, R. O’Hayre, Y.I. Park, Y. Saito and F.B. Prinz: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 410–418 (14 November 2002).
This novel PEMFC membrane-electrode-gasket assembly (MEGA) was prepared by sealing an MEA in a molded gasket, with a silicone-based liquid mix injected into the MEA borders. The technology offers reduced fabrication time, quality control and substitution of failed elements. A. Pozio, L. Giorgi, M. De Francesco, R.F. Silva, R. Lo Presti and A. Danzi: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 491–496 (14 November 2002).
DMFC with small back-up battery
The amount of water lost from a system as exhaust water vapor is be very sensitive to system pressure and ambient temperature, while the amount of water produced in the system depends on fuel composition. Fuels with a high hydrogen/carbon ratio allow operation with net water production under a range of operating conditions. S. Ahmed, J. Kopasz, R. Kumar and M. Krumpelt: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 519–530 (14 November 2002).
This hybrid cellphone power supply comprises a DMFC and parallel backup Li-ion battery. In talk mode, 10–50% of the full current (100 mA) is provided by the DMFC and the remainder by the battery. In standby, the DMFC module supplies 10 mA, with the excess recharging the battery. J. Han and E.-S. Park: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 477–483 (14 November 2002).
Water balance in a PEMFC system
Metal-membrane 25 kW methanol fuel processor for FCV
Combined water vapor exchanger/ exhaust gas diffusion barrier
A 25 kW on-board methanol fuel processor has been developed, comprising a steam reformer and two metal-membrane modules to clean the gas mixture to high-purity hydrogen. The operating condition of the reformer and metal membrane modules is nearly identical, for simple operation and a compact system by eliminating extensive temperature control of intermediate gas streams. J. Han, S.-M. Lee and H. Chang: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 484–490 (14 November 2002).
Fuel cells operating on hydrocarbon fuels require water vapor injection into the fuel stream. This passive approach eliminates the need for a separate water source, pumps and actuators, reducing parasitic thermal losses. A capillary pump recovers exhaust water vapor, and provides a diffusion barrier that prevents exhaust gases from entering the fuel stream. R.E. Williford, B.K. Hatchell and P. Singh: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 570–576 (14 Nov. 2002). May 2003
Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik (ZBT) The ZBT in Duisburg was established in 2001 for development, system integration and coordination across stationary, automotive and portable fuel cell systems. Its R&D portfolio ranges from prototype assembly to small series production. The institute links basic research at universities and its industrial application. Its activities are focused in four divisions: Gas process and hydrogen technology; Materials and components for fuel cell stacks; Systems and Applications; and Simulation and integration. In particular its researchers are working on compact PEM hydrogen generators, stack characterization for various manufacturers, development of its own stacks, and integrating hydrogen technology and fuel cells into power supply systems.
Research Trends Array MEAs for high-throughput screening of DMFC anode catalysts A high-throughput screening device for fuel cell electrocatalysts was developed incorporating fuel cell design features. State-of-the-art MEA fabrication methods permitted catalyst testing with realistic reactant exposure histories and steadystate reaction conditions. Results are reported for testing of several DMFC anode catalysts. R. Liu and E.S. Smotkin: J. of Electroanalytical Chemistry 535(1/2) 49–55 (1 November 2002).
Link between power and energy density in DMFCs DMFC performance data were used to model a continuous loop mode, clarifying the impact of parameter variations on energy and power density. Compromises are required for reasonable energy and power densities to be simultaneously maintained in DMFCs using Nafion™ 117. B. Gurau and E.S. Smotkin: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 339–352 (14 November 2002).
Hybrid compressive mica SOFC seals Thermal cycling was conducted on compressive mica SOFC seals at 800°C in air for plain and hybrid designs. The hybrid adds two glass interlayers, for greatly reduced leakage. The muscovite mica in the hybrid could yield a fuel leak of ~0.9% of the total for a 60-cell stack. Y.-S. Chou and J.W. Stevenson: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 376–383 (14 November 2002). 12
Fuel Cells Bulletin
New members welcome Even with more than 230 members already, the Fuel Cell Network is keen to recruit new members with expertise that is needed for the development of fuel cell systems. In particular, it would welcome approaches from companies from industrial branches of chemistry, materials, mechanical, chemical or electrical engineering that could play an important role as system integrators or suppliers. Membership – and inclusion in the ‘Industries Atlas’ – is free, and is necessary for participation in the working groups. Application forms can be found on the website. The Network offers various services: • • • •
Information and communication (e.g. conferences, a newsletter, working groups). Cooperative and individual projects. Qualification (e.g. workshops, round-tables, company visits). Internationalization (e.g. participation in delegations and trade fairs, contacts with international fuel cell initiatives).
•
•
Settlement (e.g. consultancy in cooperation with regional industrial assistance, and acquisition of companies willing to relocate to NRW). Public relations (e.g. a website including a members-only area, an online ‘industries atlas’, technical publications).
For more information on the Fuel Cell Network NRW, contact: Dr-Ing Frank Koch or Dr-Ing Ernst Kugeler, Fuel Cell Network NRW [Kompetenz-Netzwerk Brennstoffzelle NRW], c/o NRW State Initiative on Future Energies [Landesinitiative Zukunftsenergien NRW], Haroldstrasse 4, D-40213 Düsseldorf, Germany. Tel: +49 211 86642-16 (Dr-Ing Koch) or -15 (Dr-Ing Kugeler), Fax: +49 211 86642-22, Email: brennstoffzelle@energieland. nrw.de (or [email protected] or kugeler@ energieland.nrw.de), Web: www.fuelcell-nrw.de or www.brennstoffzelle-nrw.de For more information on the projects or project funding, contact the executive body of the ‘REN Programme’: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Projektträger ETN, D-52425 Jülich, Germany. Tel: +49 2461 690601, Fax: +49 2461 690610, Email: [email protected], Web: www.kfa-juelich.de/etn
Micro fuel cell array with ‘flip-flop’ interconnection
Membrane-electrode-gasket assembly (MEGA) technology for PEMFCs
This design for integrated series connection of PEMFCs in a planar array is particularly favorable for miniature fuel cells, and has been prototyped using etch and deposition techniques. The ‘flipflop’ configuration gives the advantage of a continuous electrolyte with no interconnecting bridges across or around the membrane. S.J. Lee, A. Chang-Chien, S.W. Cha, R. O’Hayre, Y.I. Park, Y. Saito and F.B. Prinz: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 410–418 (14 November 2002).
This novel PEMFC membrane-electrode-gasket assembly (MEGA) was prepared by sealing an MEA in a molded gasket, with a silicone-based liquid mix injected into the MEA borders. The technology offers reduced fabrication time, quality control and substitution of failed elements. A. Pozio, L. Giorgi, M. De Francesco, R.F. Silva, R. Lo Presti and A. Danzi: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 491–496 (14 November 2002).
DMFC with small back-up battery
The amount of water lost from a system as exhaust water vapor is be very sensitive to system pressure and ambient temperature, while the amount of water produced in the system depends on fuel composition. Fuels with a high hydrogen/carbon ratio allow operation with net water production under a range of operating conditions. S. Ahmed, J. Kopasz, R. Kumar and M. Krumpelt: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 519–530 (14 November 2002).
This hybrid cellphone power supply comprises a DMFC and parallel backup Li-ion battery. In talk mode, 10–50% of the full current (100 mA) is provided by the DMFC and the remainder by the battery. In standby, the DMFC module supplies 10 mA, with the excess recharging the battery. J. Han and E.-S. Park: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 477–483 (14 November 2002).
Water balance in a PEMFC system
Metal-membrane 25 kW methanol fuel processor for FCV
Combined water vapor exchanger/ exhaust gas diffusion barrier
A 25 kW on-board methanol fuel processor has been developed, comprising a steam reformer and two metal-membrane modules to clean the gas mixture to high-purity hydrogen. The operating condition of the reformer and metal membrane modules is nearly identical, for simple operation and a compact system by eliminating extensive temperature control of intermediate gas streams. J. Han, S.-M. Lee and H. Chang: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 484–490 (14 November 2002).
Fuel cells operating on hydrocarbon fuels require water vapor injection into the fuel stream. This passive approach eliminates the need for a separate water source, pumps and actuators, reducing parasitic thermal losses. A capillary pump recovers exhaust water vapor, and provides a diffusion barrier that prevents exhaust gases from entering the fuel stream. R.E. Williford, B.K. Hatchell and P. Singh: J. of Power Sources 112(2) 570–576 (14 Nov. 2002). May 2003