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Hydrogen storage and distribution will be two very important aspects of any renewable energy infrastructure that uses hydrogen as energy vector. The chemical storage of hydrogen in compounds like sodium borohydride (NaBH4) could play an important role in overcoming current difficulties associated with these aspects. Sodium borohydride is a very attractive material due to its high hydrogen content. In this paper, we describe a reactor where a stable cobalt based catalyst supported on a commercial Cordierite Honeycomb Monolith (CHM) is employed for the hydrolysis of alkaline stabilized NaBH4 (SBH) aqueous solutions. The apparatus is able to operate at up to 5 bar and 130 °C, providing a hydrogen generation rate of up to 32 L min-1.

Abstract This paper analyzes the thermodynamic and electrochemical dynamic performance of an anode supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fed by different types of fuel. The micro-tubular SOFC used is anode supported, consisting of a NiO and Gd 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 2− x (GDC) cermet anode, thin GDC electrolyte, and a La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3− y (LSCF) and GDC cermet cathode. The fabrication of the cells under investigation is briefly summarized, with emphasis on the innovations with respect to traditional techniques. Such micro-tubular cells were tested using a Test Stand consisting of: a vertical tubular furnace, an electrical load, a galvanostast, a bubbler, gas pipelines, temperature, pressure and flow meters. The tests on the micro-SOFC were performed using H 2 , CO, CH 4 and H 2 O in different combinations at 550 °C, to determine the cell polarization curves under several load cycles. Long-term experimental tests were also performed in order to assess degradation of the electrochemical performance of the cell. Results of the tests were analyzed aiming at determining the sources of the cell performance degradation. Authors concluded that the cell under investigation is particularly sensitive to the carbon deposition which significantly reduces cell performance, after few cycles, when fed by light hydrocarbons. A significant performance degradation is also detected when hydrogen is used as fuel. In this case, the authors ascribe the degradation to the micro-cracks, the change in materials crystalline structure and problems with electrical connections.

Abstract A detailed computational model of a direct-flame solid oxide fuel cell (DFFC) is presented. The DFFC is based on a fuel-rich methane–air flame stabilized on a flat-flame burner and coupled to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The model consists of an elementary kinetic description of the premixed methane–air flame, a stagnation-point flow description of the coupled heat and mass transport within the gas phase, an elementary kinetic description of the electrochemistry, as well as heat, mass and charge transport within the SOFC. Simulated current–voltage characteristics show excellent agreement with experimental data published earlier (Kronemayer et al., 2007 [10] ). The model-based analysis of loss processes reveals that ohmic resistance in the current collection wires dominates polarization losses, while electronic loss currents in the mixed conducting electrolyte have only little influence on the polarized cell. The model was used to propose an optimized cell design. Based on this analysis, power densities of above 200 mW cm −2 can be expected.

Abstract In the 21st century biofuels will play an important role as alternative fuels in the transportation sector. In this paper different reforming options (steam reforming (SR) and autothermal reforming (ATR)) for the on-board conversion of bioethanol and biodiesel into a hydrogen-rich gas suitable for high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cells are investigated using the simulation tool Aspen Plus. Special emphasis is placed on thermal heat integration. Methyl-oleate (C 19 H 36 O 2 ) is chosen as reference substance for biodiesel. Bioethanol is represented by ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH). For the steam reforming concept with heat integration a maximum fuel processing efficiency of 75.6% (76.3%) is obtained for biodiesel (bioethanol) at S/C = 3. For the autothermal reforming concept with heat integration a maximum fuel processing efficiency of 74.1% (75.1%) is obtained for biodiesel (bioethanol) at S/C = 2 and λ = 0.36 (0.35). Taking into account the better dynamic behaviour and lower system complexity of the reforming concept based on ATR, autothermal reforming in combination with a water gas shift reactor is considered as the preferred option for on-board reforming of biodiesel and bioethanol. Based on the simulation results optimum operating conditions for a novel 5 kW biofuel processor are derived.

A sustainable future power supply requires high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies even in small-scale power plants. A promising technology to reach this goal is a hybrid power plant in which a gas turbine (GT) is coupled with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This paper presents a dynamic model of a pressurized SOFC system consisting of the fuel cell stack with combustion zone and balance-of-plant components such as desulphurization, humidification, reformer, ejector and heat exchangers. The model includes thermal coupling between the different components. A number of control loops for fuel and air flows as well as power management are integrated in order to keep the system within the desired operation window. Models and controls are implemented in a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Different hybrid cycles proposed earlier are discussed and a preferred cycle is developed. Simulation results show the prospects of the developed modeling and control system.

Catalyst layer degradation has become an important issue in the development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. This paper reviews the most recent research on degradation and durability issues in the catalyst layers including: (1) platinum catalysts, (2) carbon supports, and (3) Nafion ionomer and interfacial degradation. The review aims to provide a clear understanding of the link between microstructural/macrostructural changes of the catalyst layer and performance degradation of the PEM fuel cell fueled with hydrogen under normal operating or accelerated stress conditions. In each section, different degradation mechanisms and their corresponding representative mitigation strategies are presented. Also, general experimental methods are classified and various investigation techniques for evaluating catalyst degradation are discussed.

Abstract The operation of a pair of anode-to-anode-facing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) via in situ catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of n-butane was investigated. In this simple “no-chamber” setup, butane is partially oxidized by heterogeneous reactions inside the porous anodes, providing processed fuel and the heat required for SOFC operation. The cell couple yielded a power density of up to 270 mW cm−2, and the maximum total power obtained was 1.2 W with cell sizes of 13 mm × 23 mm. The maximum electrical efficiency was 1.3%. High CO concentrations of up to 1000 ppm were detected in the exhaust gas, indicating that the cell couple could not efficiently consume the complete provided fuel. A flame, lit at the exhaust, minimized the carbon monoxide level while having insignificant influence on the cell performance. Thermal insulation of the cell couple improved the output remarkably, showing the strong influence of temperature on cell performance. The two cells had a distance of only 2 mm, suggesting a potential for high volumetric power densities in multi-cell configurations for a self-sustained combined heat and power system.

Abstract Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) was used to investigate the impact of delithiated Li 0 FePO 4 on the decomposition of LiPF 6 -based electrolyte. We used 1 M LiPF 6 in a solvent mixture composed of dimethyl carbonate and ethylene carbonate ( 1:1 w/w). Commercially available LiFePO 4 -based 18650 lithium-ion cells were completely charged up to a cut-off voltage of 4.2 V and afterwards disassembled in an argon filled glove box. The whole sample preparation for an ARC experiment was carried out under argon atmosphere to prevent atmospheric influences. Beside the self heating rate, we also analysed the pressure rise during an experiment to evaluate the influence of delithiated Li 0 FePO 4 on the electrolyte decomposition, which is primarily initiated by the conducting salt LiPF 6 . The results show both in the self heating rate and the pressure development an inhibiting effect of delithiated Li 0 FePO 4 on the electrolyte decomposition. This effect is independent of the state of charge (SOC) and seems to be typical for (delithiated) Li 0 FePO 4 in contrast to a commercial Li[Ni 0.33 Co 0.33 Mn 0.33 ]O 2 /LiCoO 2 blend. Besides that, we investigated the thermal behaviour of the bare Li 0 FePO 4 and in presence of salt-free solvent. X-ray diffraction after measurements of delithiated Li 0 FePO 4 in presence of electrolyte or salt-free solvent showed a new crystalline phase.