This document if the final report for the project titled 'Advanced PEM Stack Development'.
This report describes work carried out at Intelligent Energy (IE) to design and build a 50kW PEM fuel cell stack based upon etched plate technology, whilst simultaneously designing and developing a pressed plate technology capable of meeting the long term cost targets deemed necessary for full-scale commercialisation of PEM fuel cell technology. Also reported are the results of a joint collaboration with Johnson Matthey under which the design of a membrane electrode assembly specifically matched to IE's unique stack architecture was addressed.
The work carried out under this programme was specifically aimed at tackling the two issues of scale-up and cost reduction, by developing the etched plate technology and demonstrating a 50kW single stack unit whilst in parallel developing a pressed plate manifestation of the architecture, manufactured using high volume techniques (pressing, injection moulding etc.) thereby, clearly demonstrating that the resultant technology is capable of meeting the power output requirements and cost objectives.
This report is divided into the following sections:
To evaluate commercially available components suitable for integration into a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system based on Ceres Power's unique metal supported technology
To develop and test components not readily commercially available such as a compact steam reformer
To undertake cost analysis of the system
To demonstrate an SOFC system operating on bottled liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (NG)
This profile contains information on the project's:
The aim of this project was to develop and demonstrate cells and stacks based on the innovative metal supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology developed by Ceres Power, and to perform detailed design studies on options for micro-CHP systems at the 5 kWe scale. The project had the following targets:
Cell power density to be increased, from 80mWcm-2 at 600°C at the project start, to 200mW cm-2 at 550°C by the project end.
Single cell to be demonstrated for 1,000 hours with less than 3% degradation.
Single cell to be demonstrated with less than 5% performance degradation after 5 thermal cycles.
Short stack to be demonstrated for 1,000 hours with less than 5% performance degradation.
Short stack to be demonstrated with less than 10% performance degradation after 5 thermal cycles.
100We short stack to be demonstrated operating at 550°C.
5kWe natural-gas fired micro-CHP system to be simulated capable of delivering more than 35% electrical efficiency.
5kWe stack concept to be developed, with the potential for volume production at a cost of less than $400/kWe.
The objective of this project was to develop a viable compressive gasket sealing solution for 3rd Generation Metal Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (3G-SOFCs) that operate at temperatures of 500-600°C. More specifically the aims were to:
Define, test and characterise a refined gasket material suitable for 3G-SOFCs operating between 500°C and 600°C
Develop computer based design tools to predict and improve gasket seal performance using gathered data
Compare expected seal performance with results from fuel cell seal tests
Evaluate a mass manufacturing route for the refined gasket form and design
All project milestones and targets were met or exceeded.
Commercial battery chemistries are rapidly evolving, driven by market demands, improved cathode materials and electrification of transport. Existing cathode chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate and lithium nickel manganese cobalt batteries continue to fulfil market requirements. However, with continued research and investment, next-generation lithium-ion batteries are likely to occupy a substantial segment of the battery market beyond 2030, bringing significant improvements in performance and/or cost.
In June 2016, ETI’s Strategy Manager Chris Heaton presented “Energy system modelling of the UK energy policy reset – a multi-sector analysis” at an Energy Systems Conference.The presentation focused in particular on a multi-sector analysis of CCS
Author(s): Dept of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Published: 2003
Publisher: Dept of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Congress has asked the Department of Energy (DOE) to prepare two reports describing the status of fuel cells. The Interior & Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report (House Report 107-234) that accompanies Public Law 107-63, enacted in November 2001, requests that the Department report within 12 months to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the technical and economic barriers to the use of fuel cells in transportation, portable power, stationary, and distributed power generation applications. It also requests that the Department provide, within six months after enactment, an interim assessment that describes preliminary findings about the need for public-private cooperative programs to demonstrate the use of fuel cells in commercial-scale applications by 2012. The aim of this report is to respond to these requests.
This report is the summation of the development programme conducted by ITM Power Plc, in conjunction with Cranfield University, to develop cheap novel materials and processes for alcohol based fuel cells. These devices are of commercial interest as they offer the prospect of power sources with a high efficiency, high energy density and rapid refuelling times for a range of electronic devices such as mobile phones , laptops and MP3 players. The market for such fuel cells is estimated to be worth $800 million by 2010.
During this project, ITM Power have sought to take a fresh approach to the problem by developing two new categories of cheaper ion exchange membranes; thus negating the requirement for Nafion (current market dominating product). The membranes developed at ITM are based on ionic hydrophilic polymers, made by bulk co-polymerisation from solution, (henceforth referred to as 'Type 1' conductive polymers), while Cranfield University have been contracted for their expertise in imparting polymers with ionic properties through radiation grafting (henceforth referred to as 'Type 2' conductive polymers). By approaching the problem through the development of two distinct novel ion permeable membranes, the company sought to increase the chance of project success, while expanding its suite of materials.
It was concluded that this project has been successful. The objectives were to produce cheap fuel cells using novel materials. The results demonstrate that this has been achieved using a combination of two alternative ion permeable membrane technologies.
This report is divided into the following sections:
To produce cheap alcohol based fuel cells through the development of tow novel types of material, and the development of alternative production techniques and catalysts.
Test these fuel cells in conditions typical of small electronic de vices (room temperature, low flow rates) and achieve a lower cost per kW output that the current industry standard (Nafion).
Cationic Exchange (CE) and Anionic Exchange (AE) membranes have been developed using novel technologies based around hydrophilic polymers (Type 1) and radiation grafted co-polymers (Type 2) These were assessed for conductivity and fuel crossover before the most promising membranes were tested in a direct methanol fuel cell, compared to Nafion 117, the current industry standard. A variety of fuel concentrations, oxidants and catalysts were tested at room temperature and low flow rates, with results quotes on a £/kW basis.
For CE materials, the Type 1 membranes and Type 2 membranes were calculated to cost £316/kW and £960/kW, respectively. These compare favourably with the cost of Nafion, at £1815/kW
For AE materials, the Type 1 membranes and Type 2 membranes were calculated to cost £1019/kW and £5641/kW, respectively. Again, these are both cheaper than Nafion, at £6923/kW
This profile contains information on the project's:
To develop active cell tubes, tube bundles and a 'strip' of tube bundles on a common manifold that will achieve a target performance for a sustained duration when tested under pressurised conditions.
To develop reforming modules and bundles capable of being integrated with active cell bundles and strips.
To design a multi-kWe fuel cell configuration to support the optimisation of performance, size, weight and cost parameters for integration into 1MW hybrid fuel cell system.
The conclusions of this project were:
A major step change in reducing leakage was achieved with no detrimental impact on existing Fuel Cell performance and durability. This was achieved, in part, through an improved understanding and tighter control of, material specifications and process controls used during the construction of single active tubes and multi-tube assemblies.
Testing the IP-SOFC technology at pressure provided the first experimental data confirming theoretic predictions of the IP-SOFC performance improvements to be gained by operating at elevated pressure.
The introduction of a thinner revised IP-SOFC support tube geometry improved bundle packaging and utilization of available stack volume to achieve increased volumetric power density
An innovative hybrid system Off-Gas Combustor concept was successfully tested, which offers additional development potential for wider chemical and automotive industry application.
This profile contains information on the project's:
This document is the transcript of the oral evidence given by six members of the Faraday Institution HQ team, Board and Expert Panel on the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology inquiry into the Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero on Tuesday 9 March 2021.
The Committee called for 'long-term commitments on the role of battery and fuel cell technologies to give the UK a future competitive advantage in in achieving the UK's ambition to reach net-zero fuel cells and next-generation batteries' which would allow the UK to leapfrog its competitors and gain an advantage for future manufacture of batteries and vehicles. Further, it calls for widening the scope of battery innovation to include batteries for stationary applications on electricity grids, to help balance supply and demand whilst making better use of renewable generation.
This document records the 19 questions asked to Professor Nigel Brandon, Professor Mauro Pasta, Professor Pam Thomas and Amer Gaffar by the present members.
Most hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are still in the early stages of commercialisation and currently struggle to compete with alternative technologies, including other low-carbon options, due to high costs. Additional attention will be required before their potential can be fully realised. Governments can help accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies by ensuring continued research, development and demonstration (RD&D) funding for hydrogen generation and conversion technologies, such as electrolysers and fuel cells. This will facilitate early commercialisation of fuel cell electric vehicles and support demonstration projects for VRE integration using hydrogen-based energy storage applications. Overcoming risks related to investment in infrastructure hinges upon close collaboration among many stakeholders, such as the oil and gas industry, utilities and power grid providers, car manufacturers, and local, regional and national authorities.
This UKERC Research Landscape provides an overview of the competencies and publicly funded activities in fuel cells research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in the UK. It covers the main funding streams, research providers, infrastructure, networks and UK participation in international activities.
UKERC ENERGY RESEARCH LANDSCAPE: FUEL CELLS
Section 1: An overview which includes a broad characterisation of research activity in the sector and the key research challenges
Section 2: An assessment of UK capabilities in relation to wider international activities, in the context of market potential
Section 3: Major funding streams and providers of basic research along with a brief commentary
Section 4: Major funding streams and providers of applied research along with a brief commentary
Section 5: Major funding streams for demonstration activity along with major projects and a brief commentary
Section 6: Research infrastructure and other major research assets (e.g. databases, models)
Section 7: Research networks, mainly in the UK, but also European networks not covered by the EU Framework Research and Technology Development (RTD) Programmes
Section 8: UK participation in energy-related EU Framework Research and Technology Development (RTD) Programmes
Section 9: UK participation in wider international initiatives, including those supported by the International Energy Agency
This document is the supplementary written evidence from Professor Pam Thomas, CEO at the Faraday Institution, submitted to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology following an inquiry evidence session on Tuesday 9 March 2021 for the 'Role of Batteries and Fuel Cells in Achieving Net Zero'.
This evidence is in response to four points, being:
Is the right strategy, funding and support in place to enable the research, innovation and commercialisation of battery technologies in the UK?
If the UK is to play a significant role in battery manufacture and to decarbonise a range of industrial sectors, a larger and longer-term commitment in R&D of next generation energy storage technologies will be required.
Funding for the FI's core research portfolio is currently maintained at £30m per annum.
An additional £20m per annum (bringing the core funding to £50m pa) is deemed necessary to focus on new research problems that look beyond electrochemical aspects of battery research, for example, materials and systems engineering.
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