Search results for "Fuel Cell"

Development of a module of stacks of air-breathing microbial fuel cells to light-up a strip of LEDs

2018

Abstract This work focuses on scaling-up of the microbial fuel cells technology according to the principle of miniaturization and multiplication. Seven stacks of 16 mini-MFCs (electrodic area of 0.866 cm2) were built up leading to a big module of 112 MFCs. The electrical connection among the MFCs in the stacks and among the stacks into the modules was optimized in order to implement this technology. Results show that 1 MFC generates 1.22 mW while the optimization of the electric connection in order to achieve the maximum power results in 6.62 mW compared to the theoretical 182 mW, indicating the existence of large energy losses in the system. However, to light a LED there is not a threshold…

On the staking of miniaturized air-breathing microbial fuel cells

2018

Abstract This work focuses on the scale-up of the MFCs by miniaturization and multiplication strategy. Performances of five stacks containing 1, 2, 5, 8 and 16 MFCs were compared. Each stack was evaluated under individual, parallel and series electrical connection as well as for cascade or individual hydraulic connection. Cascade feeding mode with a tank per stack favours the COD removal when the number of MFCs in the stack increases. However, despite operating without COD limitations, the energy production was disadvantaged. By changing the feeding system of a tank per stack into an individual tank per MFC, the performance of the whole stack enhances considerably. Stacking in series can in…

A single-chamber membraneless microbial fuel cell exposed to air using Shewanella putrefaciens

2016

Abstract Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices which convert the chemical energy content of organic fuels into electricity, thanks to the ability of anode respiring bacteria to give electrons to the anode. This result is usually achieved under anaerobic conditions, obtained with a sealed anode chamber. Despite this, Shewanella oneidensis has been recognized by many authors to obtain the same results in presence of air. Furthermore, another member of the Pseudomonaceae family, Shewanella putrefaciens, has also shown the capability to catalyze the cathodic oxygen reduction. In this work the capability of S. putrefaciens to work under both anaerobic and micro-aerobic cond…

Possibility of Wastewater Treatment Using MFC with Ni-Co Catalyst of Fuel Electrode

2016

Abstract One of the problems with microbial fuel cells is a low current density of those energy sources. Nonetheless, it is possible to increase the current density by using the catalyst for fuel electrode (anode) - as long as a low cost catalyst can be found. The possibility of wastewater treatment using the Ni-Co alloy as catalyst for MFC’s is presented in this paper. The alloys were obtained with different concentrations of Co (15 and 50% of Co). The increase of current density with Ni-Co catalyst is approximately 0,1 mA/cm2. So, a fundamental possibility wastewater treatment using the Ni-Co alloy as catalyst for microbial fuel cells was presented.

Optimization of the performance of an air-cathode MFC by changing solid retention time

2017

Effect of ion exchange capacity and water uptake on hydroxide transport in PSU-TMA membranes: A DFT and molecular dynamics study

2020

Abstract Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) are nowadays used in a very wide range of different applications, from electrodialytic systems for water treatment, to Fuel Cells for energy generation. In many of these cases, the AEM is in contact with water molecules, either in aqueous or gas phase, which can strongly interact with the AEM polymer, thus affecting membrane properties. The role of water in fully swollen AEM and its effect on the diffusion of hydroxide is the focus of this work. Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations were merged with Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations coming to a more accurate description of the ionic exchange capacity effect on the hydroxide ion diffusi…

Electrochemically Controlled Ion Dynamics in Porphyrin Nanostructures

2020

peer-reviewed The full text of this article will not be available in ULIR until the embargo expires on the 22/07/2021 The dynamics of ion intercalation into solid matrices influences the performance of key components in most energy storage devices (Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, etc.). Electrochemical methods provide key information on the thermodynamics and kinetics of these ion-transfer processes but are restricted to matrices supported on electronically conductive substrates. In this article, the electrified liquid|liquid interface is introduced as an ideal platform to probe the thermodynamics and kinetics of reversible ion intercalation with nonelectronically active matr…

Optimal Design of Grid Integration of a Net Zero Energy Building trough Electrochemical Energy Storage and Fuel Cell Utilization

2018

The integration of electrochemical energy storage, renewable energy production, and fuel cell systems can play a key role in the development of more efficient eco-friendly systems, spanning all sectors of energy management, from stationary to mobile. In particular, residential sector consumed 19% of worldwide energy production in 2015, resulting the third energivorous sector after transport and industry. Distributed energy systems, which efficiently use local resources, can reduce problems in regions with lack of a stable network and more in general help the growth of a sustainable development. In this case, the impact of PV-Lithium Batteries-SOFC integration in a NZEB (Net Zero Energy Buil…

ADAPTION OF MULTI-PHYSICS PEM FUEL CELL MODEL USING SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

2014

This paper presents the adaption of an existing multiphysics 1D fuel cell model to an existing PEM fuel cell system. The input parameters of the model are separated into system properties, linked to physical values, and running conditions. On the 40 system properties required, a sensitivity analysis was applied in order to identify that only four membrane properties have the most influence on the stack voltage. These parameter values were identified by optimization. The prediction accuracy with the new parameter values decreased to 1.48%.

Energy management of a thermally coupled fuel cell system and metal hydride tank

2019

International audience; Being produced from renewable energy, hydrogen is one of the most efficient energy carriers of the future. Using metal alloys, hydrogen can be stored and transported at a low cost, in a safe and effective manner. However, most metals react with hydrogen to form a compound called metal hydride (MH). This reaction is an exothermic process, and as a result releases heat. With sufficient heat supply, hydrogen can be released from the as-formed metal hydride. In this work, we propose an integrated power system of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) together with a hydride tank designed for vehicle use. We investigate different aspects for developing metal hydride…