Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Yun Wang, Pengtao Sun
ASME 2010 8th International Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Conference: Volume 1 · 2009
This paper develops a 3D dynamic model for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs also called PEM fuel cells) and investigates the internal physicochemical processes that occur during PEFC transients as well as fuel cell dynamic responses. This model couples various dynamic mechanisms in the key components of PEFC, such as electrochemical double-layer discharging/charging, species transport, heat transfer, and membrane water uptake. The model is further discretized for 3D numerical simulations with focus on transient operation upon the step change in power density. The numerical results show that over/undershoot dynamic responses may take place during transient. A detailed picture of internal operating conditions, such as water and current density distributions, is presented to develop a comprehensive understanding of fuel cell transient during power/load variation.
O. D. Adeniyi, B. Ngozichukwu, M. I. Adeniyi et al.
Ghana Journal of Science · 2021
Melon seed husk (MSH) biochar was used in a single cell direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) as an alternative biofuel. The DCFCs belong to a generation of energy conversion devices that are characterised with higher efficiencies, lower emission of pollutants and MSH biochar as the fuel. Several analytical techniques (proximate, ultimate and thermo-chemical analysis) were employed to analyse the characteristics of the biomass fuel, their effects on the cell’s performance, and the electrochemical reactions between the fuel and the electrolyte in the system. High carbon content and calorific values are some of the parameters responsible for good performances. The performance of a lab-scale DCFC made of ceramic tubes using molten carbonate electrolyte was investigated. Binary carbonates mixture (Na2CO3-K2CO3, 38-62 mol.%) was used as electrolyte and the waste MSH carbonised at 450oC as biofuel. A practical evaluation of the fuel used in the DCFC system was conducted, for varying temperature of 100 - 800oC. The maximum open circuit voltage (OCV) was 0.71 V. With an applied load resistance and active surface area of 5.73 cm2 the maximum power density was 5.50 mWcm-2 and the current density was 29.67 mAcm-2 at 800oC.
Ayisa Timothy Terna, Muhammad Ramatu Gogo, Mohammed Jibrin Ndejiko
Journal of Basics and Applied Sciences Research · 2025
The concerns about global warming are gradually causing sensitive debate globally therefore its pertinent at this period to intensify the quest for alternative sources of energy. The potential of abattoir effluent to generate electricity at room temperature via microbial fuel cell technology has been demonstrated. Microbial fuel cell is a bio electrochemical system which utilizes bacteria to generate electricity. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of bacteria to generate electricity through microbial fuel cells with abattoir effluent serving as a substrate. The study was carried out using a dual chambered microbial fuel cell. And the set up was monitored for a period of seven days. Readings were taken at intervals of two hours all through the experiment. The highest voltage generated was 0.58V on the first day and the lowest voltage recorded was 0.05V on the seventh day. The results from this study indicate that bacteria in microbial fuel cells can utilize abattoir effluent converting chemical energy to electrical energy. The low voltage generated makes microbial fuel cells less efficient than traditional energy generation methods. There is still much to be learned about complex interactions between micro organisms and electrode materials in microbial fuel cells. Hence, further research is needed to develop more efficient, durable and cost effective materials for microbial fuel cells.
Huu Linh Nguyen, Younghyeon Kim, Jaesu Han et al.
Volume 7: Energy · 2023
Abstract A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) of heavy-duty truck is operated in very harsh conditions, but it requires more longevity than a passenger vehicle. The current durability strategy for vehicular fuel cells is geared towards passenger vehicles, hence this study employs response surface analysis to develop a durability strategy for heavy-duty fuel cell trucks. The study uses a physics-based model to predict the degradation of PEMFC under truck operation mode. The model is validated using experimental data from a 20-cell PEMFC stack, which is operated for 2000 hours under the world harmonized vehicle cycle (WHVC) mode. The study employs a response surface method (RSM) to select the power output and degradation rate as object functions. Results indicated that as the operating temperature increases, the power output increases, but the degradation is accelerated. By contrast, increasing gas inlet temperature decreases power output and degradation rate. Higher relative humidity at the cathode and anode leads to increase fuel cell and lower voltage degradation. Therefore, the optimal operating conditions for the fuel cell to minimize voltage degradation are high levels of humidity, moderate cell temperatures, and moderate gas inlet temperatures. The study suggests that the optimal operating conditions are anode and cathode relative humidity of 100%, a fuel cell temperature of 61°C, and a gas inlet temperature of 57°C.
Song Qiu, Luyang Wang, Yimei Zhang et al.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2022
Most microbial fuel cell (MFC) sensors only focus on the detection of mixed solutions with respect to the chemical oxygen demand (COD) or toxicity; however, the concentrations of the individual analytes in a mixed solution have rarely been studied. Herein, we developed two types of MFC sensors, adapted with sodium acetate (MFC-A) and glucose (MFC-B) as organic substrates in the startup period. An evident difference in the sensor sensitivities (the slope value of the linear-regression curve) was observed between MFC-A and MFC-B. MFC-A exhibited a superior performance compared with MFC-B in the detection of sodium acetate (4868.9 vs. 2202 mV/(g/L), respectively) and glucose (3895.5 vs. 3192.9 mV/(g/L), respectively). To further compare these two MFC sensors, the electrochemical performances were evaluated, and MFC-A exhibited a higher output voltage and power density (593.76 mV and 129.81 ± 4.10 mW/m2, respectively) than MFC-B (484.08 mV and 116.21 ± 1.81 mW/m2, respectively). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and microbial-community analysis were also performed, and the results showed a richer anode biomass of MFC-A in comparison with MFC-B. By utilizing the different sensitivities of the two MFC sensors towards sodium acetate and glucose, we proposed and verified a novel method for a simultaneous test on the individual concentrations of sodium acetate and glucose in a mixed solution. Linear equations of the two variables (concentrations of sodium acetate and glucose) were formulated. The linear equations were solved according to the output voltages of the two MFC sensors, and the solutions showed a satisfactory accuracy with regard to sodium acetate and glucose (relative error less than 20%).
Mahir M Said, Asia A Saad, Geoffrey R John et al.
Tanzania Journal of Science · 2023
The access to electricity is still not reliable in Tanzania. Whilst, there are several locations within the country that have wastewater cites that are not economically used to produce electricity. At the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), there are main grid power, and few scattered solar panels. This study was intended to bridge the divide between the current increasing power demands of the UDSM by exploiting not so much used sources, such as electric energy from wastewater. This study was undertaken to develop a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) prototype fed by sewage in Dar es Salaam, for electricity generation using cost effective materials for the cathode compartment. The collection of samples took place using sewage substrates from the UDSM oxidation ponds. The untreated sewage was collected from oxidation ponds. Preliminary experiments were carried out to identify the cathode and substrate that produced better results in terms of volts and current output. Aluminium produced the most desirable results compared to copper, stainless steel and mild steel in all the substrates. On the other hand, untreated sewage with aluminium/carbon electrodes produced higher voltage and current compared to treated sewage with the same electrodes. Thereafter, a prototype of the MFC was developed by connecting three single chambered cells in series of 628 cm3 volume of untreated sewage with aluminium and carbon electrodes. The prototype generated a stable voltage of 1.73 V and a current of 0.07 mA recorded for a period of one hour. The power generated was enough to light a 6.25 mW LED bulb of 25 mA across a 100 Ω resister. Therefore, untreated sewage produced more power in MFCs with aluminium/carbon electrodes compared to the other tested materials.
 Keywords: Aluminium electrodes, charcoal electrode, alternative energy source, wastewater
Hany S. Abdo, Asiful H. Seikh, Ubair Abdus Samad et al.
Crystals · 2021
Methane is an extensively accessible green energy that can be obtained organically just by way of through natural gases. However, using methane in fuel at ambient temperature conditions is quite challenging, due to its high thermodynamically stability. In this present investigation, the feasibility of using methane in the low-temperature microbial fuel-cell (MFC) with an unadulterated culture of Methylococcus chroococcus without the inclusion of any additional electron mediators is investigated. The microbial fuel cell setup was prepared using a salt bridge. Through potentiodynamic study, power density, and OCV, it can be seen that the setup delivers a sufficient amount of voltage and power as the days progress. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic investigations also depict the fact that the cell required roughly one day to balance out, and kept working at full force for up to seven days. This work exhibits the chance of creating power utilizing methane as one of the main carbon sources at ambient temperature with an M. chroococcus unadulterated culture as the direct electron-transporting MFC biocatalyst.
Roya Morovati, Mohammad Hoseini, Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor et al.
Sustainability · 2022
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a modified anode is one of the new methods to increase MFC efficiency. This study synthesized an anode modified with cobalt manganese oxide (MnCo2O4@CF) on carbon felt (CF) by easy hydrothermal method and binder-free. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) was measured with and without diclofenac (DCF). According to SEM results, MnCo2O4 was uniformly dispersed on the anode electrode surface. Moreover, the maximum power density in COD (1000 mg/L), 48 h. condition without DCF (726 mA/m2) was 165 ± 0.012 mW/m2 and with DCF concentration of 20 mg/L, it was 308 ± 0.013 mW/m2 (992 mA/m2). In addition, in the presence of 10 mg/L DCF concentration, the maximum COD removal efficiency was 82% ± 1.93 at 48 h. COD removal efficiency without DCF was 94.67% ± 0.02 at 72 h. After 72 h, the maximum removal efficiency of COD and DCF in the carbon anode was 41% ± 1.15 and 9.5% ± 0.23, respectively. Moreover, the maximum DCF removal efficiency using a MnCo2O4 anode was 56% ± 0.55, at 48 h; the initial COD concentration was 500 mg/L, and the DCF concentration was 20 mg/L. This research showed that coating the anode with MnCo2O4 could lead to the increased growth of microorganisms on the surface of the anode, decreased load transfer resistance, increased power density, and more removal of COD and DCF. As a result, the performance of fuel cells with modified anode and removal of DCF increased compared to anode with CF-MFC. Thus, the performance of fuel cells with modified anode and removal of DCF increased compared to anode with CF-MFC.
Julie C. Fornaciari, Samay Garg, Xiong Peng et al.
Journal of The Electrochemical Society · 2022
With a growing demand for electricity, clean hydrogen production and usage can be an asset not only to mitigate emissions but for long-term energy storage as well. Hydrogen gas, a high-density energy carrier, can be made through electrolysis in charging mode and generate electricity via a fuel cell in discharging mode in a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC). While URFCs reduce cost by combining the charging and discharging modes into a singular device, switching between modes becomes burdensome, and water management is a major challenge. One way to mitigate these issues is to operate the entire system in the vapor phase. Vapor-phase operation simplifies the physics of the system but will introduce losses within the system, primarily ohmic and mass transport during the charging mode. In this study, we explore the performance of a Proton-Exchange-Membrane (PEM)-URFC under vapor-phase conditions and the impact of different PEMs, feed gases, and relative humidity on the performance and durability. By tailoring operating conditions and membrane, the vapor-URFC achieves a roundtrip efficiency of 42% and a lifetime of 50,000 accelerated stress test cycles for fully humidified feeds. Discussion of vapor-URFC for energy storage and extensions to look at various applications shows the promise of this technology.
J. Cha, C. Kim, S. Choi et al.
Water Science and Technology · 2009
For simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal via single stream, a microbial fuel cell (MFC) coupled with an aeration chamber and a bio-cathode was investigated. Without catalysts and any additional buffer, the MFC produced electricity continuously and the power density reached 1.3 W/m3 at a loading rate of 1.6 kg COD/m3 d. Simultaneously, the COD and the nitrate removal rate were 1.4 kg COD/m3 d and 67 g NO3-N/m3 d, respectively. When the hydraulic retention time was changed from 6 to 0.75 hours, the power density significantly increased from 0.2 to 10.8 W/m3 due to an increase of cathodic potential. When the aeration chamber was removed and the nitrate was injected into the cathode, the power density increased to 3.7 W/m3. At a high recirculation rate of 10 ml/min, the power density and the nitrate removal rate greatly increased to 34 W/m3 and 294 g NO3−-N/m3 d, respectively.
Hung-Thuan Tran, Dae-Hee Kim, Se-Jin Oh et al.
Water Science and Technology · 2009
Simultaneous organics removal and nitrification using a novel nitrifying biocathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) reactor were investigated in this study. Remarkably, the introduction of nitrifying biomass into the cathode chamber caused higher voltage outputs than that of MFC operated with the abiotic cathode. Results showed the maximum power density increased 18% when cathode was run under the biotic condition and fed by nitrifying medium with alkalinity/NH4+-N ratio of 8 (26 against 22 mW/m2). The voltage output was not differentiated when NH4+-N concentration was increased from 50 to 100 mg/L under such alkalinity/NH4+-N ratio. However, interestingly, the cell voltage rose significantly when the alkalinity/NH4+-N ratio was decreased to 6. Consequently, the maximum power density increased 68% in compared with the abiotic cathode MFC (37 against 22 mW/m2). Polarization curves demonstrated that both activation and concentration losses were lowered during the period of nitrifying biocathode operation. Ammonium was totally nitrified and mostly converted to nitrate in all cases of the biotic cathode conditions. High COD removal efficiency (98%) was achieved. In light of the results presented here, the application of nitrifying biocathode is not only able to integrate the nitrogen and carbon removal but also to enhance the power generation in MFC system. Our system can be suggested to open up a new feasible way for upgrading and retrofitting the existing wastewater treatment plant by the use of MFC-based technologies.
Mpumelelo Thomas Matsena, Shepherd Masimba Tichapondwa, Evans Martin Nkhalambayausi Chirwa
Catalysts · 2020
Palladium (Pd) is a cheap and effective electrocatalyst that is capable of replacing platinum (Pt) in various applications. However, the problem in using chemically synthesized Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) is that they are mostly fabricated using toxic chemicals under severe conditions. In this study, we present a more environmentally-friendly process in fabricating biogenic Pd nanoparticles (Bio-PdNPs) using Citrobacter sp. isolated from wastewater sludge. Successful fabrication of Bio-PdNPs was achieved under anaerobic conditions at pH six and a temperature of 30 °C using sodium formate (HCOONa) as an electron donor. Citrobacter sp. showed biosorption capabilities with no enzymatic contribution to Pd(II) uptake during absence of HCOONa in both live and dead cells. Citrobacter sp. live cells also displayed high enzymatic contribution to the removal of Pd(II) by biological reduction. This was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) characterization, which revealed the presence Bio-PdNPs deposited on the bacterial cells. The bio-PdNPs successfully enhanced the anode performance of the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). The MFC with the highest Bio-PdNPs loading (4 mg Bio-PdNP/cm2) achieved a maximum power density of 539.3 mW/m3 (4.01 mW/m2) and peak voltage of 328.4 mV.
Ardiyan Harimawan, Hary Devianto, Rd. Habib R. M. T. Al-Aziz et al.
Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences · 2019
Microbial fuel cell is one alternative technology that can be used to simultaneously solve problems related with wastewater production and energy demand. This study investigates the influence of electrode distance on power density in microbial fuel cell using tapioca wastewater. Graphite sheet without metal catalyst was used for both electrodes, separated by Nafion membranes. Four variations of electrode distance were used. MFC with highest electrode distance give the highest equilibrium OCV (676 mV), while the MFC with shortest electrode distance give the highest power density (7.74 mW/m2). EIS measurement suggested that the charge transfer resistance is dominant in all MFC configuration. Wastewater COD removal were in the range of 35-46 %, which were in accordance with the power density for all MFC.
Karanam Nithin, Vasupalli Manoj, Budumuru Mohith
INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT · 2023
A fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicle is an advanced type of hybrid vehicle that utilizes a combination of fuel-cell technology and electric propulsion for improved efficiency. The fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen as the fuel source. This electricity powers the vehicle’s electric motor, while a battery system stores excess energy, provides additional power during acceleration, and stores regenerative braking energy. To improve the performance of fuel cell hybrids, designing and developing efficient energy management strategies is an urgent need for current automotive manufacturers. From the perspective of energy consumption, the main work is to reduce hydrogen consumption. In recent years, energy management strategies based on intelligent connected vehicle technology have also received extensive attention. Most fuel cell vehicles are classified as zero- emission vehicles that emit only water and heat. Compared with internal combustion vehicles, hydrogen vehicles centralize pollutants at the site of hydrogen production. In an electric drive vehicle, the low-voltage auxiliary battery provides electricity to start the engine before the traction battery is engaged, it also powers vehicle accessories. This high-voltage battery stores energy from regenerative braking and provides supplemental power to the electric motor. The DC converter converts higher voltage to lower voltage DC power which is needed to run the vehicle and recharge the auxiliary battery. Using power from the fuel cell and the traction battery pack, the motor drives the vehicle’s wheels. A fuel cell stack is an assembly of individual membrane electrodes that use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. So the fuel cell electric vehicle is the best option to simultaneously reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the consumption of fossil fuels Key Words: Battery(auxiliary), Battery pack such as petroleum and natural gas., DC/DC Converter, Electric traction motor(FCEV), Fuel cell stack, Fuel filler, Fuel tank(hydrogen), Power electronics controller, Thermal system(cooling), Transmission(electric)
Tri Dewi Kusumaningrum Pribadi, Yudi Nurul Ihsan, Kalysta Fellatami et al.
Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution · 2019
Cirata is one of the three reservoirs of Citarum where its function has developed from hydroelectric power generator to aquaculture and tourism in recent times. A number of floating net cage keeps increasing and they have reached 53,031 cages, which have actually exceeded the maximum amount under local government regulation. This condition has triggered eutrophication in the form of ammonium deposited in aquatic sediments. A study with a 30-day treatment of oxidation catalysis of inorganic and organic matter by bacteria called Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology had been conducted to reduce contamination of ammonium in the water. Various treatments were applied in the form of single and dual chambers, with and without aeration. Parameters measurements were decreased in ammonium levels in the sediment, and the same applied to the electricity generated as the by-product of microbial activity. The results showed that MFC technology was proven to reduce the levels of ammonium in the sediments up to 96.12%. The electricity output reached 333 mA.m -2 for a single chamber treatment with aeration. Overall, it can be indicated that better results appeared in all measured parameters with single-chamber treatments compared to dual-chamber ones.
IRFAN ANWAR FAUZAN, ANJA MERYANDINI, RONI RIDWAN et al.
Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity · 2022
Abstract. Fauzan IA, Meryandini A, Ridwan R, Fidriyanto R, Agustini NWS, Santosa DA. 2022. Coupling Indonesian indigenous Citrobacter freundii and Chlorella pyrenoidosa strain on the anode of microbial fuel cell with various substrates. Biodiversitas 23: 2471-2481. Microorganism plays a crucial role in the development of MFC systems. Indigenous to Indonesia, Citrobacter freundii GBH253 is a potential exoelectrogenic bacterium that could be developed into an MFC system. Coupling C. freundii GBH253 with potentially electricity-producing microalgae indigenous to Indonesia, such as Chlorella pyrenoidosa INK, in the anode of an MFC, could result in a more stable and higher electricity output. This study used C. freundii GBH253 and C. pyrenoidosa INK to produce electricity in various substrates. This research was conducted using a Factorial Randomized Block Design and Tukey’s test to determine significant differences between treatments. The result shows that electricity was generated in all treatments. The Bacterium-microalgae combination in acetate substrate can generate power density up to 211,97 mW m-2 and is the most stable compared to others. Bacterium dominates the electricity production in this combination, but the microalgae also play a role in producing electricity and increasing Chemical Oxygen Demand. The pH value of all treatments was higher than 7. Volatile Fatty Acids, like acetate and phenol, were produced in all treatments, whereas butyric acid and propionic acid were produced in several treatments. The Pearson correlation showed that some VFAs are highly correlated with power density.
Hafsa M. Ashraf, Ibrahim M. Abu-Reesh
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery · 2022
Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are environmentally friendly devices which are used to convert chemical energy in organic wastes to electrical energy. MFCs have a strong non-linearity that requires a very sophisticated controlling system. Consequently, this makes optimization and performance study of MFCs a difficult process. For better estimation of the constants used for optimization of MFCs, global sensitivity analysis is performed. The global sensitivity method based on Sobol’s indices coupled with Monte Carlo simulations was applied on multi-population, single-chamber MFC operating in a continuous flow at steady state for the first time. In this paper, first-order and total-order sensitivity indices were used to visualize the impacts associated with six main parameters resulted from the maximization of power density using Matlab. Such parameters are maximum anodophilic-specific growth rate, half-rate constant of anodophilics, curve steepness factor, mediator half-rate constant, number of electrons transferred per mole mediator and decay rate constant of anodophilic bacteria. The results showed that the curve steepness factor has almost no impact on the power density of MFC. While all other studied, factors are sensitive parameters that impact the power density of MFC. It is worth mentioning that maximum anodophilic growth rate and the number of electrons transferred per mole of mediator are the most sensitive parameters that affecting the power density production having total indices of 0.74 and 0.624, respectively. While the half-rate constant of anodophilics, mediator half-rate constant and decay rate constant of anodophilics have almost similar impact by having total-order indices of 0.127, 0.144 and 0.192, respectively. The findings herein are critical in understanding and further model improvement of microbial fuel cells as the most impacting parameters on MFC power density can be optimized further to reduce uncertainty associated with the experimental parameters in the model. Graphical abstract
Mahammed Ebraheem Al-Defiery
Clean Energy · 2025
Abstract Concerns about Earth’s climate change and environmental pollution have provoked the search for new power sources, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which offer a clean energy alternative. Hence, the development of an eco-friendly MFC which utilizes or recycles natural materials is required. The MFC was designed as a single chamber that contains soil (electrolyte media), a cathode electrode (graphite rod), and an anode electrode (zinc cylinder) as one unit in experiments. The soil in the MFC was adjusted to pH 7–8, and the moisture content was maintained at 70% of soil field capacity. The MFC units were incubated at 25–30°C. To optimize electrical generation, three sequential experiments were conducted in triplicate by testing different ratios of charcoal, gypsum, and sheep manure. A Fluke 175 multimeter was used to measure direct current voltage and current across the anode and cathode in a closed circuit. The results of optimization were then applied to construct MFC units for two further experiments, which were powering light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a clock. The voltage generated ranged from 1.96 to 2.85 Volts (V) and the current ranged from 0.055 to 0.17 milliampere (mA) (0.108–0.485 milliwatts [mW]) during the 180-day in the LEDs experiment, and from 0.69 to 1.88 V and 0.068 to 0.242 mA (0.047–0.455 mW) during the 250-day in the clock operated experiment. The MFC showed a potential for continuous power supply, waste recycling, soil properties improvement, and soil nutrient enrichment. The power harvest may offer advantages for renewable energy that can operate apparatus that needs low voltage and current.
Nur Syafira Khoirunnisa, Syaiful Anwar, Dwi Andreas Santosa
Trends in Sciences · 2021
Rice straw can be utilized as an organic substrate in Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) to generate electricity by microbes as a biocatalyst. This research was aimed to observe the effect of Xanthomonas translucens ICBB 9762 inoculation pretreatment on microwave-assisted alkali treated rice straw on the lignocellulosic structure change of rice straw and to observe the performance of MFC system fed by treated rice straw. The stages of research included: (1) pretreatment of rice straw through microwave-assisted alkali and Xanthomonas translucens ICBB 9762 inoculation, (2) observation of MFC performance including electrical voltage; electrical current; power density; and Coulombic efficiency, and (3) anolite analysis including COD removal, pH and Eh. The result showed that rice straw was successfully decomposed by inoculation of Xanthomonas translucens ICBB 9762 on microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment which the highest cellulose yield about 29.36 %. Treated rice straw produced better performance than rice straw without pretreatment which the best performance resulted by the combination of Xanthomonas translucens ICBB 9762 inoculation and microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment which produce electrical voltage, electrical current, and power density value of 337.90 mV, 0.39 mA, and 26.20 mW/m2, respectively. The utilization of solid substrate such as rice straw need more attention due to there was COD enhancement while in COD reduction reach COD removal efficiency and coulombic efficiency ranged 5.15 - 54.08 % and 0.25 - 7.83 %, respectively. HIGHLIGHTS Microbial Fuel Cell fueled by lignocellulose substrate, which is rice straw Lignocellulose structure deconstruction through microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment A combination of microwave-assisted alkali and cellulose-degrading bacteria inoculation pretreatment for rice straw generate the highest electricity Electricity generation improvement in microbial fuel cell through mix culture between cellulose-degrading bacteria and exoelectrogen bacteria Cellulose degrading bacteria increase Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) due to the solubility of low molecular weight organic compounds increasing during microbial fuel cell incubation
Jiseon You, John Greenman, Ioannis Ieropoulos
Energies · 2018
A new analytical design of continuously-fed microbial fuel cell was built in triplicate in order to investigate relations and effects of various operating parameters such as flow rate and substrate supply rate, in terms of power output and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency. This novel design enables the microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems to be easily adjusted in situ by changing anode distance to the membrane or anodic volume without the necessity of building many trial-and-error prototypes for each condition. A maximum power output of 20.7 ± 1.9 µW was obtained with an optimal reactor configuration; 2 mM acetate concentration in the feedstock coupled with a flow rate of 77 mL h−1, an anodic volume of 10 mL and an anode electrode surface area of 70 cm2 (2.9 cm2 projected area), using a 1 cm anode distance from the membrane. COD removal almost showed the reverse pattern with power generation, which suggests trade-off correlation between these two parameters, in this particular example. This novel design may be most conveniently employed for generating empirical data for testing and creating new MFC designs with appropriate practical and theoretical modelling.
NS Khoirunnisa, S Anwar, U Sudadi et al.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science · 2021
Abstract Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices that can directly transform the chemical energy from organic matter into electrical energy using microbial metabolic activity, so microbes play an essential role. This study explores some organic substrate alternative cost-effective for Staphylococcus saprophyticus ICBB 9554 as an exoelectrogen for electricity production in MFCs. The organic substrates that were chosen were sugar, molasses, and palm sugar. The best performance in electricity production was in molasses which showed output voltage, electrical current, and power density of 789 mV, 0.48 mA, and 68 mW/m 2 , respectively. The COD removal, Coulombic efficiency, and bacterial density in molasses also the highest that was about 68.18 ± 0.00%, 45.80 ± 2.17%, and 1.09×108 cfu/ml, respectively. Molasses is a potentially cost-effective alternative organic substrate for MFCs inoculated by Staphylococcus saprophyticus ICBB 9554.
Siva Purushothaman, Nadia Permogorov, Howard Colquhoun
ChemRxiv · 2023
"ABSTRACT: Linear polycondensation of activated aromatic dihalides including 4,4'-difluoro-diphenylsulfone, 1,3-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene and 3,3'-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)biphenyl with a combination of the two bisphenol monomers 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone and 2,8- dihydroxydibenzofuran affords a novel series of high molecular weight aromatic polyethers. Post-polymerisation sulfonation of these copolymers in 96% sulfuric acid yields a corresponding series of ionomers in which sulfonation has occurred at the 3- and 7-positions of the dibenzofuran rings. The ion-exchange capacities of these ionomers were in the range 1.3 to 1.8 mmol g-1, and their molecular weights (Mn) by GPC were between 39 and 56 kD with dispersities (Đ) between 2 and 3. All the ionomers were successfully solution-cast into tough, transparent, thin-film membranes (40 - 90 μm) which were evaluated for direct- methanol fuel cell (DMFC) performance in terms of proton conductivity, methanol diffusion coefficient, limiting current density and maximum power density. A dibenzofuran-based ionomer derived specifically from 3,3'-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)biphenyl showed DMFC performance equivalent to, or even slightly better than, a control membrane produced from the industry-standard fluorocarbon ionomer Nafion 115."
Masao Shibata, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Takahisa Suzuki et al.
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2019
Air-cooled polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are considered potentially to simplify the system design [1, 2]. Enhancement of the membrane properties was proposed for higher performances from the analysis and optimization of the system [3]. In this work, requirements for the properties of the MEA components are discussed. The two diamonds labeled A and B in Fig. 1 represent the MEA performance required for the air-cooled PEFC system. An open-cathode PEFC is assumed for model calculation. The heat from the cell is assumed to be removed only by the gas flows through the channels. Operating point A can be arbitrarily determined to satisfy the specified output power, and a current density of 0.128 A·cm −2 at a cell potential of 1.15 V was selected. Operating point B was determined so that the heat from the MEAs in the stack balances the heat removed by the exhaust gas. Curve 1 in Fig. 1 is the calculated performance of the MEA with a Pt loading of 0.1 mg·cm −2 (denoted MEA 1) for comparison, where the parameters for calculation assumes one of the state-of-the-art MEAs. The calculation was performed using a through-plane model of the MEA with an in-plane reaction distribution along the flow channels. Curve 2 in Fig. 1 shows the calculated performance when state-of-the-art MEA component materials reported in the literature can be employed without trade-offs (denoted MEA 2). The performance enhancement was mainly due to improvements in the cathode catalyst (Pt nanowire), ionomer (of high oxygen permeability), and gas diffusion layer (without substrate fibers). Activation, ohmic, and mass-transport losses were significantly reduced, but the cell potential loss was still mainly caused by the activation loss. Although MEA 2 exhibits dramatically higher performance than MEA 1, it does not achieve the required performance. Curve 3 in Fig. 1 represents the calculated performance when a Pt monolayer having oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity at the top of the volcano plot is assumed. (The MEA is denoted MEA 3.) The operating temperature was raised to 150°C. The resistance of the membrane at 0% relative humidity (RH) and 150°C was assumed to be only 20 times lower than that at 30% RH and 60°C. Under the assumptions and change in operating temperature, MEA 3 reached the required performance. The importance of studies on catalysts having high ORR activity and ionomers having high proton conductivity at lower relative humidity was reconfirmed. Balance-of-plant components as well as MEA materials require new innovations to downsize fuel cell systems. Although extremely idealized properties pose big challenges in material development, advance in the component materials would greatly benefit the cell performance. References [1] Q. Meyer et al., J. Power Sources, 291 , 261 (2015) [2] A. de las Heras, F. J. Vivas, F. Segura, and J. M. Andúlar, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 42 , 12841 (2017) [3] Q. Meyer et al., Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 40, 16760 (2015) Figure 1
Koushik Ahmed, Omar Farrok, Md Mominur Rahman et al.
Energies · 2020
In this paper, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is implemented as a grid-connected electrical generator that uses hydrogen gas as fuel and air as an oxidant to produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. Analysis demonstrated that the performance of the PEMFC greatly depends on the rate of fuel supply and air supply pressure. Critical fuel and air supply pressures of the PEMFC are analysed to test its feasibility for the grid connection. Air and fuel supply pressures are varied to observe the effects on the PEMFC characteristics, efficiency, fuel supply, and air consumption over time. The PEMFC model is then implemented into an electrical power system with the aid of power electronics applications. Detailed mathematical modelling of the PEMFC is discussed with justification. The PEMFC functions as an electrical generator that is connected to the local grid through a power converter and a transformer. Modulation of the converter is controlled by means of a proportional-integral controller. The two-axis control methodology is applied to the current control of the system. The output voltage waveform and control actions of the controller on the current and frequency of the proposed system are plotted as well. Simulation results show that the PEMFC performs efficiently under certain air and fuel pressures, and it can effectively supply electrical power to the grid.
Guanghua Wei, Chao Wang, Chuanyu Jiang et al.
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2017
The flow channel is very important to the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), it is believed that the PEM fuel cell performance is greatly affected by the flow patterns besides the operating temperature, gas inlet humidity, and so on [1,2,3]. The channel or rib width and channel cross-sectional area determine the pressure drop, thus directly influence on the water removal, and then affect the oxygen supply and oxygen reduction reaction. In this study, two flow pattern, four different channel designs are investigated mainly by three-dimensional simulation, effects of different design on cell performance are validated by the experiments. After analyzing the differences between the four kinds of flow channels, the situations of current density distribution, water distribution and oxygen distribution in the cell are studied and the performance are analyzed. We found out how the flow channel width and cross sectional area on the performance of PEM fuel cell: the narrower the width is, the better the cell’s performance is when current is low. The larger the cross sectional area is, the better the cell’s performance is when current is high. Acknowledgements This work was supported in part by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21533005) and Science Foundation of Ministry of Education of China ( Grant No. 413064). References [1] Bonghwan Lee, Kiwon Park and Hyung-Man Kim. Numerical Optimization of Flow Field Pattern by Mass Transfer and Electrochemical Reaction Characteristics in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells[J]. Int.J. Electrochem. Sci., 8 (2013) 219 – 234 [2] A. Arvay, J. French, J.-C. Wanga, X.-H. Peng, A.M. Kannan. Nature inspired flow field designs for proton exchange membrane fuel cell[J]International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 38(2013):3717-3726 [3] Sungho Lee, Heeseok Jeong, Byungki Ahn, Taewon Lim, Youngjin Son. Parametric study of the channel design at the bipolar plate in PEMFC performances[J].International journal of hydrogen energy 33 ( 2008 ) 5691–5696 Figure 1
William E. Mustain
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2018
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have seen a massive surge in interest in recent years to displace incumbent proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) because of their possible advantages: the possibility to eliminate platinum group metals (PGM) in the catalyst layers; lower cost cell components (i.e. bipolar plates); lower cost membranes; and lower cost balance of plant (i.e. humidification and air circulation systems) [1-2]. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of AEMFCs studied in the literature i) achieve extremely low performance that is not competitive with PEMFCs; ii) use higher PGM loadings than modern PEMFC; and/or iii) use catalysts and membranes whose elaborate synthesis limits their applicability. All of these limitations have stifled the practical application of AEMFC, leaving nearly all of them far away from automotive OEM and DOE targets for activity, stability and PGM loading. This talk will focus on recent work by our group, our collaborators and other groups that has led to new records in the literature with regards to the achievable current and peak power density for Pt-containing AEMFCs, Pt-free AEMFCs, low PGM loading AEMFCs and completely PGM-free AEMFCs [2-6]. AEMFCs have also been demonstrated that are able to i) achieve high peak power densities (> 2 W cm -2 ); ii) operate stably for several hundred hours of operation; and iii) meet strategic DOE targets – including meeting performance targets while reducing the total PGM loading to 0.1 mg cm -2 . It is intended that this talk will provide a roadmap to guide the future direction of AEMFC components and their operation. The advances and demonstrations that will be discussed show that despite the fact that AEMFCs are still in their infancy relative to PEMFCs, they are nearing a point where they are ready to be taken seriously in the open market. References: J.R. Varcoe, P. Atanassov, D.R. Dekel, A.M. Herring, M.A. Hickner, P.A. Kohl, A.R. Kucernak, W.E. Mustain, K. Nijmeijer, K. Scott, T. Wu and L. Zhang, Anion-exchange membranes in electrochemical energy systems, Energy Environ. Sci ., 7 (2014) 3135-3191 T.J. Omasta, A. Park, J.M. LaManna, Y. Zhang, X. Peng, L. Wang, D. L. Jacobson, J.R. Varcoe, D.S. Hussey, B. Pivovar and W.E. Mustain, Beyond Catalysis and Membranes: Visualizing and Solving the Challenge of Electrode Water Accumulation and Flooding in AEMFCs, Energy Environ. Sci. , In Press, DOI: 10.1039/C8EE00122G. T.J. Omasta, L. Wang, X. Peng, C.A. Lewis, J.R. Varcoe and W.E. Mustain, Importance of Balancing Membrane and Electrode Water in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, J. Power Sources , 375 (2018) 205-213. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.05.006 S. Gottesfeld, D.R. Dekel, M. Page, C. Bae, Y. Yan, P. Zelenay, and Y.S. Kim, Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Current Status and Remaining Challenges. J. Power Sources , 375 (2018) 170–184. L. Wang, J.J. Brink, Y. Liu, A.M. Herring, J. Ponce-González, D.K. Whelligan and J.R. Varcoe, Non-fluorinated pre-irradiation-grafted (peroxidated) LDPE-based anion-exchange membranes with high performance and stability, Energy Environ. Sci. , 10 (2017) 2154-2167. B.S. Pivovar, "Advanced Ionomers & MEAs for Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells" DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Review. (2017) Figure 1
Bita Soleomani, Ali Haghighi Asl, Behnam Khoshandam et al.
Research Square · 2023
Abstract Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have received a lot of interest and use metal organic frameworks (MOF)/polymer nanocomposite membranes (PEMFC). ZIF-90 was employed as an addition in the SPEES matrix in order to investigate the proton conductivity in a novel nanocomposite membrane made of sulfonated poly (1, 4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES)/zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF). The high porosity, free surface, and presence of the aldehyde group in the ZIF-90 nanostructure have a substantial impact on enhancing the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and proton conductivity capabilities of the SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes. The findings demonstrate that SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes with 3 wt. % ZIF-90 had proton conductivities up to 160 mS/cm at 90°C and 98% RH, which was 1.9 times more than SPEES membrane at 55 mS/cm under the same conditions. In comparison to the pristine SPEES membrane, the SPEES/ZIF-90/3 membrane demonstrated a 79 percent increase in maximum power density (0.52 W/cm2 at 0.5 V and 98% RH).
Kaoutar Kabouchi, Mohamed Karim Ettouhami, Hamid Mounir et al.
CFD Letters · 2024
The fuel cells performance is significantly impacted by both design and operational factors. The effective distribution of reactants within the flow fields is facilitated by the design of the flow channels. Therefore, the geometry of the flow channels and the overall design of the flow field play a crucial role in determining the fuel cells performance. Among various flow field designs, the serpentine flow field demonstrates superior performance compared to others. In this research, a three-dimensional proton exchange membrane fuel cell model was developed and used to study the influence of three-pass serpentine flow field on cell performance across varying operating voltages (0.9 V, 0.7 V and 0.5 V). The purpose of this research is to simulate and evaluate the comportment of the three-pass serpentine flow channels configuration by analyzing several parameters such as channels velocity distribution, oxygen mole fraction, pressure distribution and electrolyte current density along the z-axis at the cathode under different operating voltages. Numerical simulations were conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Therefore, this software is used to solve numerically the complete three-dimensional model with the governing equations of charge conservation, species transport, momentum, and continuity. The obtained results indicate that among different operating voltages, the cell voltage of 0.5 V demonstrated the highest channels velocity distribution, pressure distribution, and electrolyte current density. Moreover, it is found that at an operating voltage of 0.5 V, there is an important decrease in oxygen concentrations indicating a significant oxygen consumption in the fuel cell which improves the overall efficiency. This work contributes valuable insights to the optimization of fuel cell performance, specifically highlighting the favorable outcomes associated with the three-pass serpentine flow field design at lower operating voltages
Mingyu Lou, Rui Lin, Liang Chen
SAE Technical Paper Series · 2023
<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a promising energy supply device. Its improvement on output performance has always been a main subject. Microporous layer (MPL) is the water management center of PEMFC, which has an important influence on the mass transfer process and performance of PEMFC under high current density. In this paper, the performance of GDL based on Toray-H-060 with different carbon powder and C:PTFE of MPL were tested and optimized. SEM and static contact Angle was used to investigate Characterization of GDLs. The polarization curve was used to select the best performance, and EIS was used to explore the internal optimization mechanism. The output performance increases with humidity from 25%RH to 75%RH for all four samples. The MPL sample formulated with C: PTFE = 8:2 and XC-72 powder is the best under wide humidity region, and the best performance is achieved at 75%RH. The maximum power density reaches 0.949W/cm<sup>2</sup> at 1.8A/cm<sup>2</sup>. At 100%RH, because of dense structure, the GDL of Toray substrate has poor output performance and low maximum power density of PEMFC, because of cathode flooding under high humidity conditions. The increasement of MPL hydrophobicity, achieved by change of carbon powder and PTFE content, contributes to the decrement of mass transfer resistance at high current density. The equilibrium between proton conductivity and water management is essential to ensure improved fuel cell performance. In summary, this study is useful for understanding influence of MPL contents on mass transfer performance in PEMFC and can guide the composition design of MPL.</div></div>
Siwei Zhao, Jiakai Wu, Minghao Wang
Journal of Engineering Research and Reports · 2022
Aims: Gas diffusion layer (GDL), catalytic layer (CL) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) are important components of hydrogen fuel cell (HFC). In this paper, the thickness of the diffusion layer, the catalytic layer and the proton exchange membrane of the hydrogen fuel cell are mainly simulated and analyzed, and the structural parameters with relatively good performance of the hydrogen fuel cell are obtained.
 Place and Duration of Study: North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, between November 2021 and March 2022.
 Methodology: Fuel cell models with different diffusion layers, catalytic layers and proton exchange membrane thicknesses were established by ANSYS, and simulated and analyzed them in the PEMFC module in Fluent, comparing the temperature distribution, water distribution and current density distribution of HFC with diffusion layer thickness, catalytic layer thickness and proton exchange membrane thickness, and comparing the structural parameters with relatively good performance of hydrogen fuel cells.
 Conclusion: The results show that the thicker the diffusion layer is, the more unfavorable the product water is discharged, which hinders the diffusion of oxygen and reduces the performance of fuel cell; The larger the thickness of the catalytic layer, the higher the current density and the better the performance of the hydrogen fuel cell; The larger the thickness of proton exchange membrane, the negative effect on the diffusion of reactive gas, the lower the reaction efficiency and current density of fuel cell, and the lower the performance of fuel cell.
Donglei Wu, Mingjie Zhang, Meiqing Yang et al.
Water Science and Technology · 2019
Abstract The textile industry is developing rapidly in China. It generates large volumes of cotton dyeing pretreatment wastewater (CDPW). CDPW contains high concentrations of pollutants characterized by their strongly alkaline and recalcitrant nature for microbial degradation. This project aimed to evaluate the performance of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) coupled with anoxic/oxic (A/O) system (MEC-A/O) in treating CDPW, as well as analyze changes in microbial diversity. The results indicated that the effect of biological treatment in an electrolytic cell to treat CDPW was optimal at the voltage of 0.6V. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency under optimum conditions was 69.13%, higher than that of the A/O system alone (48.93%). Within a certain range, applied voltage was able to enhance microbial activity, increase the sludge concentration and enlarge the sludge particle size. At the same time, the applied voltage could effectively increase the abundance and the diversity of Bacteria and Archaea, as well as accelerate the degradation of pollutants.
H. O. Stanley, C. J. Ugboma
Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology · 2020
The dynamics of electrochemicals and microbial populations during anaerobic treatment of human urine in soil microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were investigated. The experimental MFC was supplemented with daily urine input while the control MFC was without urine. During the treatment process, electrochemical and microbiological parameters in effluent of the urine-supplemented MFC were monitored using standard methods. The pH of the urine increased from 5.70 to 7.16 after 15 days of treatment in the urine supplemented MFC. The concentration of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, total nitrogen and total organic carbon of the urine reduced from 0.76 g/l to 0.07 g/l, 1.91 g/l to 0.17 g/l, 2.24 g/l to 0.09 g/l, 0.14 g/l to 0.003 g/l, 0.08 g/l to 0.00 g/l, 8.25 g/l to 0.74 g/l and 7.10 g/l to 0.53 g/l respectively after 15 days of treatment. Furthermore, Open voltage of the urine supplemented MFC ranged from 5.63 V to 10.34 V while Open voltage of the control ranged from 1.84 V to 5.02 V after 15 days of operation. The population of facultative bacteria (FAB) and strict anaerobic bacteria (SAB) ranged from 64.2 x 104 CFU to 36.2 x 104 CFU and 21.2 x104 CFU to 61.3 x104 CFU respectively with time. The urine supplemented MFC performed significantly (p < 0.05) better than the control with respect to voltage output while significantly reduced concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen and metallic (salt) species were found. Therefore, the soil MFC may be applied as a waste management option to treat human urine while generating electricity before disposal.
John Fagley, Jason Conley, David Masten
3rd International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology · 2004
In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell-related research conducted and subsequently published by universities and public institutions. While a good deal of this research has been useful for understanding the underlying fundamental aspects of fuel cell components and operation, much of it is not as useful for a group working on automotive applications as it could be. The reason for this is that in order to be put to practical use in an automotive application, the system being studied must meet certain constraints; satisfying targets for projected system costs, system efficiency, volumetric and gravimetric power densities (packaging), and operating conditions. For example, numerous recent publications show studies with PEM fuel cells designed and built such that limiting current density is achieved at 0.9 A/cm2 or lower, and voltages of 600 mV can only be achieved at current densities less than 0.6 A/cm2. This type of performance is sufficiently below what is required for commercial application, that any conclusions drawn from these works are difficult to extrapolate to a system of commercial automotive interest. The purpose of this article is to show, through use of engineering calculations and cost projections, what operating conditions and performance are required in a commercial automotive fuel cell application. In addition, best known (public domain) performance and corresponding conditions are given, along with Department of Energy Freedom Car targets, which can be used for state-of-the-art benchmarking. Also, reference is made to a university publication where performance (500 mV at 1.5 A/cm2) close to automotive application targets was achieved, and important aspects of their components and flow field geometry are highlighted. It is our hope that through this publication, further PEM fuel-cell related research can be directed toward the region of greatest interest for commercial, automotive application.
Khlid Ben Hamad, Mohamed Tariq Kahn
International Journal of Engineering & Technology · 2020
It is a reality that future development in the energy sector is founded on the utilization of renewable and sustainable energy sources. These energy sources can empower to meet the double targets of diminishing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy supply. Fuel cells are one of the advanced clean energy technologies and have demonstrated their ability to be a decent substitute to address the above-mentioned concerns. They are viewed as reliable and efficient technologies to operate either tied or non-tied to the grid and power applications ranging from domestic, commercial to industrial. Among different fuel cell technologies, proton exchange membrane is the most attractive. Its connection to the utility grid requires that the power conditioning system serving as the interface between the stack and the grid operates accordingly. This study aims to model and control a power conditioning system for the grid-connection of a megawatt fuel cell stack. Besides the grid, the system consists of a 1.54 MW/1400 V DC proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, a 1.3 MW/600 V three-level diode clamped inverter and an LCL filter which is designed to reduced harmonics and meet the standards such as IEEE 519 and IEC 61000-3-6. The power conditioning control scheme comprises voltage and current regulators to provide a good power factor and satisfy synchronization requirements with the grid. The frequency and phase are synchronized with those of the grid through a phase-locked-loop. The modelling and simulation are performed using Matlab/Simulink. The results show good performance of the proposed microgrid as well as the inverter design and control approach with a low total harmonic distortion of about 0.35% for the voltage and 0.19% for the current.  Â
Muhammad Majid Gulzar
Sustainability · 2023
The efficiency of renewable energy sources like PV and fuel cells is improving with advancements in technology. However, maximum power point (MPP) tracking remains the most important factor for a PV-based fuel cell power system to perform at its best. The MPP of a PV system mainly depends on irradiance and temperature, while the MPP of a fuel cell depends upon factors such as the temperature of a cell, membrane water content, and oxygen and hydrogen partial pressure. With a change in any of these factors, the output is changed, which is highly undesirable in real-life applications. Thus, an efficient tracking method is required to achieve MPP. In this research, an optimal salp swarm algorithm tuned fractional order PID technique is proposed, which tracks the MPP in both steady and dynamic environments. To put that technique to the test, a system was designed comprised of a grid-connected proton exchange membrane fuel cell together with PV system and a DC-DC boost converter along with the resistive load. The output from the controller was further tuned and PWM was generated which was fed to the switch of the converter. MATLAB/SIMULINK was used to simulate this model to study the results. The response of the system under different steady and dynamic conditions was compared with those of the conventionally used techniques to validate the competency of the proposed approach in terms of fast response with minimum oscillation.
Mehmet Fatih Orhan, Kenan Saka, Mohammad Yousuf
Advances in Polymer Technology · 2022
Fuel cells are energy conversion devices that directly convert chemical energy of fuels such as hydrogen to useful work with negligible environmental impact and high efficiency. This study deals with thermodynamic analysis and modeling of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power systems for portable applications. In this regard, a case study of powering a computer with a PEMFC is presented. Also, an inclusive evaluation of various parameters such as voltage polarization, overall system efficiency, power output, and heat generation is reported. In addition, a parametric study is conducted to study the effect of many design and operation parameters on the overall efficiency. Results show the direct influence of current density and temperature values on optimization of the design parameters in PEMFCs.
Niloofar Hashemi, Joshua M. Lackore, Farrokh Sharifi et al.
TECHNOLOGY · 2016
Microbial fuel cells have gained popularity as a viable, environmentally friendly alternative for the production of energy. However, the challenges in miniaturizing the system for application in smaller devices as well as the short duration of operation have limited the application of these devices. Here, the capillary motion was employed to design a self-pumped paper-based microbial fuel cell operating under continuous flow condition. A proof-of-concept experiment ran approximately 5 days with no outside power or human interference required for the duration of operation. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was used to create a maximum current of 52.25 µA in a 52.5 µL paper-based microfluidic device. SEM images of the anode following the experiment showed biofilm formation on the carbon cloth electrode. The results showed a power density of approximately 25 W/m 3 and proved unique capabilities of the paper-based microbial fuel cells to produce energy for an extended period of time.
Vernon Webb, Michael Hickner, Donald Baird et al.
2nd International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology · 2003
The electrical and mechanical properties of new lightweight graphite polymeric separator plates aged in a PEM fuel cell were investigated to assess their resistance to short-term durability. While the changes in electrical properties of great interest to the operation of the fuel cell, mechanical and dimensional stability over the life of the cell are critical. Thus, new polymeric based separator plates developed at Virginia Tech were aged under standard operating conditions in a PEM fuel cell over 300 hours at low pressure and 85°C. A comparison of conductivity, stiffness and strength of aged plates was made to as manufactured and unaged plates. Over the aging period, electrical conductivity did not decline even as the fuel cell performance showed some changes as evidenced by polarization curves. However, the mechanical strength of the monopolar plates was observed to declined less than 10% after 300 hours of fuel cell operation, due to the lack of stability of the polyester resin used to facilitate the rapid manufacturing of these new plates. These property changes were found to be independent of aging on the reduction and oxidation sides. Further work continues on plates formed through both fiber wet lay technology and those produced by compression molding of unique graphite filled epoxy systems, and to improve the electrochemical performance of cells fabricated using the resulting plates to levels comparable to those observed when using existing plate materials.
Yang Zhang, Dong Tang, Rui Xue Duan et al.
Advanced Materials Research · 2011
A new tubular cathode support for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) was prepared by the gelcasting process using mesocarbon microbead(MCMB) and graphite as the main raw materials. The effects of different graphite doping ratios on tensile strength, bending strength, crushing strength, volume resistivity and shrinkage rate for the prepared tubular cathode support were studied by experimental test. The result showed that the prepared tubular cathode support had very good comprehensive performance. The tubular cathode support with 10% graphite exhibits the best performance such as bending strength 25MPa and resistivity30µΩ•m, and it satisfied the DEFC cathode working conditions and performance requirements.
Priji Chandran, Arpita Ghosh, Sundara Ramaprabhu
Scientific Reports · 2018
Abstract The integration of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack into vehicles necessitates the replacement of high-priced platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalyst, which contributes to about 45% of the cost of the stack. The implementation of high-performance and durable Pt metal-free catalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) could significantly enable large-scale commercialization of fuel cell–powered vehicles. Towards this goal, a simple, scalable, single-step synthesis method was adopted to develop palladium-cobalt alloy supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (Pd 3 Co/NG) nanocomposite. Rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) studies for the electrochemical activity towards ORR indicates that ORR proceeds via nearly four-electron mechanism. Besides, the mass activity of Pd 3 Co/NG shows an enhancement of 1.6 times compared to that of Pd/NG. The full fuel cell measurements were carried out using Pd 3 Co/NG at the anode, cathode in conjunction with Pt/C and simultaneously at both anode and cathode. A maximum power density of 68 mW/cm 2 is accomplished from the simultaneous use of Pd 3 Co/NG as both anode and cathode electrocatalyst with individual loading of 0.5 mg/cm 2 at 60 °C without any backpressure. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind of a fully non-Pt based PEM full cell.