Proton Exchange Membrane Cell - Book Report/Review Example

 Proton Exchange Membrane Cell Introduction Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, another name for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) pertain to a brand of fuel cells that are being developed with focus on transport application, in addition to both portable and stationary fuel cell applications. This form of energy production is distinctly characterised by two core features that include a unique polymer electrolyte membrane and lower pressure or temperature ranges of 50 °C to 100 °C. A notable aspect here is that PEMFCs also operate on a principle parallel to that of PEM electrolysis, a more recent technology application. Of critical importance in the current century is that the two technologies are a principal option in the replacement of the now-aging alkaline fuel cell technology. PEMFC: Foundational Analysis Built from membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), PEMFCs are composed of a catalyst, electrolyte, gas diffusion layers and electrodes. Principally, the vital part is the TPB – triple phase boundary where the reactants, catalyst and electrolyte merge resulting in cell reactions. Notably, the membrane should never be electronically conductive as this may result in mixing of the half-cell reactions. Preferably, operating temperatures of over 100 °C are desired for water management not to be a critical issue in cell design because of the need for the water byproduct to become steam (Hoogers, 2003:6; Yang, Z. et al., 2004:599). Historically, successful application was in space programmes limited to special applications affiliated with space programmes. The proton exchange membrane was extensively utilised in NASA’s Gemini spacecraft series but later on was replaced by the more convenient alkaline fuel cells (Yang, 2004:8). This was based on the fact that the materials utilised were extremely expensive, in addition to their high volatility as a result of the required utility of pure oxygen and hydrogen both highly combustible materials. Furthermore, these fuel cells often required high operating temperatures that were inconvenient for different forms of application (Hoogers, 2003:10). PEMFCs are currently regarded as a gateway to greater efficiency in various forms of applications anchored on environmentally friendly and advanced production of power (Yang, 2004:599). How It Works The PEMFC utilises a water based acidic polymer membrane as its electrolyte with electrons that are built of platinum. The cells work at relatively low temperatures usually below 100 degrees Celsius and can initiate electrical output to meet dynamic power needs. However, the cells are limited in their use because of the temperature requirements and the use of precious metal-based electrodes. Figure 1 below shows how a PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) works. Fig. 1. Applications in the Contemporary Era Application of the technology has been accomplished particularly in terms of secure power supply, commercial circulated power plants, premium power application, vehicular and other mobile applications. As Wee (2007:1721) states, this is based upon the technology’s compactness and lightweight feature, both of which enhance its ‘mobility’ aspect. A critical application of this technology is in transportation where buses and other heavy trucks are prime targets due to the availability of space to store the fuel and house the system. However, technological hindrances are mainly based on how to incorporate proton exchange membranes (PEMs) into existing vehicular technology, in addition to the issue of updating energy systems. An exception is utility in hybrid vehicles where hydrogen is usually derived from non-renewable fossil fuels (Wee, 2007:1722). As Lee et al. (2006) convey, another viable application of PEMFCs is in power generation although it has certain limitations. The potential application can be used in stationary power production because of the fact that it has the ability to produce up to 5kW, although it has a lesser efficient margin of 30% (Lee et al. 2006:176). However, application in this sector is hindered by this aspect justifying the continued reliance on other forms of fuel cells especially on MCFCs and SOFCs. This is based upon the fact that PEMFCs usually need hydrogen that is of high purity to optimally operate compared to other types of fuel cells that can run on methane; hence, the advantage in flexibility. Accordingly, optimal application is achieved when related to small-scale systems; this at least until the time scalable pure hydrogen is obtainable (Lee et al. 2006:177). Figure 2 below shows a basic diagram of a PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) Figure 2.Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Characteristics of PEMFC The dynamic nature of PEMFCs makes it possible to utilize them as emergency power generating systems for consumers who have special needs for their critical equipment. Under such contexts, power disruption, interruptions or harmonics can prove to be very costly, i.e. in the public supply of electricity (Lee et al., 2006:179; Kohlstruck, 2001). However, this critically necessitates the implementation of specifications that are very detailed especially concerning grid connections. This is influenced by the fact that the bridging time required is majorly defined and dependent on the hydrogen storage volume or size. Due to the presence of quality problems experienced by small and commercial industrial users of normal electricity, a variety of impacts are present on different applications that are critical in the provision of high quality energy (Wee, 2007:1724). Due to the compactness and lightweight characteristics, PEMFCs are viable options in terms of application as replacements for batteries in various portable electronic devices. Mobile phone application is a potentially huge opportunity although hydrogen supply integration still poses a technical challenge (Wee, 2007:1725). This is particularly based on the lack of an optimal location to conveniently store it within mobile devices. As Kohlstruck (2001) shows, with the increasing popularity of reliable electricity, the utility of this technology is also a viable option in future applications regarding housing in terms of heat generation and electricity production, which are both anchored on major reduction of production costs (Kohlstruck, 2001). Due to the high costs of production accrued when manufacturing PEMFCs, their general high-scale introduction into the market is dependent majorly on cost digression. The application of PEMFCs will be greatly enhanced within diverse market sectors dependent on the prevailing reasonability of costs. ALSTOM BALLARD GmbH. Company is carrying out an example of this application to be initiated in terms of large-scale application through the first electricity generating 200Kw fuel cell power plant located in Berlin with another unit already in place in Basel, Germany. Implicitly, the latter is powered by way of natural gas, utilized as a combined power and heat plant (Kohlstruck, 2001). Conclusion Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, also referred to as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) refer to a brand of fuel cells that are being developed with focus on transport application in addition to both portable and stationary fuel cell applications. PEMFCs are composed of a catalyst, electrolyte, gas diffusion layers and electrodes. The vital part is the TPB – triple phase boundary where the reactants, catalyst and electrolyte merge resulting in cell reactions. Historically, successful application was in space programs, limited to special applications affiliated with space programs. The PEMFC utilizes a water based acidic polymer membrane as its electrolyte with electrons that are built from platinum. The cells work at relatively low temperatures usually below 100 degrees Celsius and can initiate electrical output to meet dynamic power needs. Application of the technology has been accomplished particularly in terms of secure power supply, commercial circulated power plants, premium power application, vehicular and other mobile applications. The dynamic nature of PEMFCs makes it possible to utilize them as emergency power generating systems for consumers who have special needs for their critical equipment. Due to the compactness and lightweight characteristics, PEMFCs are viable options in terms of application as replacements for batteries in various portable electronic devices. The high costs of production accrued when manufacturing PEMFCs makes their general high-scale introduction into the market dependent on cost digression. After sometime, different limitations are addressed concerning PEMFCs especially in terms of utility of pure hydrogen and oxygen as well as storage issues. Accordingly, in the near future when these and other issues are tackled, greater availability of this form of power generation will be available not only in terms of small-scale limited application, but majorly so in terms of general large- or industrial-scale application. Reference List Hoogers, G 2003, Fuel Cell Technology Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Kohlstruck, B 2001, Applications with proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for a deregulated market place (16TH International Conference and Exhibition paper: Publication No. 482, Vol. 4). DOI: 10.1049/cp: 20010838, IEEE.org, retrieved from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=942991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D942991 Lee, J. S. et al. 2006, Polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 12: 175–183. Wee, Jung-Ho 2007, Applications of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11.8: 1720-738. Yang, Z. et al. 2004, Novel inorganic/organic hybrid electrolyte membranes. Prepr. Pap.-Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., 49 (2): 599. Read More