Dissertation / PhD Thesis/Book

FZJ-2014-01806

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Kühlkonzepte für Hochtemperatur-Polymerelektrolyt-Brennstoffzellen-Stacks

Supra, J. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2014
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag Jülich
ISBN: 978-3-89336-946-1

Abstract: A typical application of the high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEFC) is onboard power generation for mobile applications. The operating temperature must be between 120 °C and 180 °C, due to material rigidity and degradation. At this high temperature, the generated heat can be used elsewhere in the system or mobile application. The subject of this thesis is an investigation of possible cooling concepts in the context of their suitability for use in a HT-PEFC, and in particular with regard to the use as onboard power generation together with a fuel processor. The design of the cooling system must be capable of providing sufficient cooling for a robust and durable HT-PEFC system operating in a power range between 1 and 10 kW$_{el}$. In this work, various possible cooling methods are presented. In order to evaluate the various potential cooling concepts, calculations based upon the various cooling concept designs are performed. For further verification, 3D CFD simulations and experimental investigations are carried out on stacks with an active cell area of 200 cm$^{2}$. In addition to sufficient cooling, the dynamic operation behavior is investigated. Heating (cold start) and cooling at various operating points should be possible. The main findings are, that all active cooling concepts, which use heat transfer fluid, air or water as cooling media, are suitable to cool HT-PEFCs. All three heat transfer media are suitable to cool stacks in the kW range. A control of the inlet flow rate is required when air is used. Controlling the inlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid is necessary for the external cooling concept and advantageously for the other heat transfer fluid based concepts. When taking into account latent heat transfer, water shows the highest potential for cooling, however the need for pressurization in the cooling loop prevents widespread use when current stack materials are used. Designs based on the use of the heat transfer fluid are the most practical for cooling stacks in the kW class used for on-board power supply in combination with a fuel processing system.

Keyword(s): Dissertation

Note: RWTH Aachen, Diss., 2014

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Elektrochemische Verfahrenstechnik (IEK-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 123 - Fuel Cells (POF2-123) (POF2-123)

Appears in the scientific report 2014

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Database coverage:

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