1.

Background & Introduction

This chapter will cover the background and introduction of the laboratory. The background
will discuss the relevant principles and theories surrounding the area of fuel cells and their
main operation characteristics. The introduction will introduce the aims and objectives of the
laboratory conducted.

1.1. Background
Fuel cells are the most efficient and clean form of energy produced from fossil fuels. A fuel
cell converts the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy. The basic operation of a fuel
cell is much like a battery. Like a battery the fuel cell features two electrodes, an anode and a
cathode. The two electrodes are separated by an electrolyte [1]. A fuel cell is supplied with
reactants externally and operates on a continuous process as long as fuel is supplied to the cell.
The fuel cell used in the laboratory was a Hydrogen fuel cell. This type of fuel cell use stored
or generate pure hydrogen as the anode feedstock [2]

Figure 1: Hydrogen Fuel Cell

PEM stands for proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane. PEM fuel cells
are very common due to their associating advantages. The main advantage with PEM fuel cells
is their high efficiency when compared to other sources of energy conversion devices [3].
Another advantage is that unlike a normal combustion engine is that the maximum efficiency
occurs at the maximum loads, unlike a combustion engine where the efficiency is based off the
expansion ratio [3]. The efficiency associated with a PEM fuel cell also remains high under
partial loads, making fuel cell implementation in transport such as cars very attractive.

Another advantage of PEM fuel cells is that their operation temperature is low, normally around
80 oC [3]. Meaning that the time spent reaching its operating temperature is very low and will
reach steady state faster when compared against similar systems.

The main dis-advantage is their high system cost and high cost of hydrogen production [3].
The issue arises because hydrogen itself is not a primary source of fuel, normally through
reforming. Additional problems with hydrogen fuel cells is that hydrogen production is the
energy needed to produce it and to provide for energy losses in the hydrogen to application
chain. Using current technology, hydrogen requires at a minimum twice as much energy as
other sources to produce the same amount of work. The goal is to develop methods based on
sustainable energy methods, that do not require electricity as in intermediate step in the process.
Going forward, fuel cells need to overcome significant economic and technology barriers to
become a major source for the mainstream.

To date fuel cells have seen very limited applications in industry, usually kept for very niche
applications. However recent advances in fuel cells with regards to the cost and the efficiency
has re-opened the possible applications for use in the industry. The main applications that such
a fuel cell would be used for is in combination with CHP systems and as backup electrical
supply power.

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The most common application of the fuel cell has been in the space program. It has been used
to provide electrical power to the astronauts in space. However, the fuel cell has some other
use cases. Such cases include transportation, stationary and portable power applications. In
transpiration applications, fuel cells such as polymer electrolyte cells are used due to a
continuous electrical energy supply, along with high power density and efficiency. The
hydrogen fuel cell was used as the primary source of electrical energy in the Apollo space
program. Future applications for fuel cells looks to be in the utility industry. Where the fuel
cells are installed in locations in close proximity to where electrical demand is. This allows the
industry to make financial savings as the fuel cells are modular and highly efficient, while
offering the opportunity to expansion as additional units can be added as required. [4]

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 1.2. Introduction
The purpose of the laboratory conducted was to determine the coefficient of performance of
the RE510 PEM fuel cell. The fuel cell used is the PA. Hilton RE510 Educational PEM Fuel
Cell. This system is designed to illustrate the main operating principles of hydrogen fuel cells.

With rising energy needs and costs, utility companies need alternatives to the mainstream
energy supplies, whether its due to the growing dependency on foreign imports or the
increasing cost of retrieving fossil fuel resources. Hydrogen fuel cells seem to perfectly suit as
a possible solution to this growing energy supply problem. Regarding the increasing climate
change and global warming problems, along with the stressed fossil fuel demands, the need for
energy efficient energy conversion processes are needed. Fuel cells have in recent years has
become increasing more attractive as a technology. Fuel cells feature many advantages such as
high efficiency and quite operation, and clean waste production with no greenhouse gas
emissions.

However, the technology faces challenges before it can see wide spread use in varying
applications. These include the power density, the efficiency and issues such as a lot of energy
must be invested to produce hydrogen. This laboratory aims to calculate the performance of
the PEM fuel cell through obtaining the coefficient of performance associated with the system.

The coefficient of performance (COP) is the ratio of heating or cooling provided to the work
required. It illustrates the fuel cells performance regarding how efficient the hydrogen fuel cell
is in storing energy and releasing electrical energy. [5]

Objective
To determine the performance of the RE510 PEM fuel cell.

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2. Experimental Setup
This section will cover and discuss the equipment used in the fuel cell laboratory. It will also
include the procedure taken to conduct the laboratory, this would be used if the laboratory were
to be redone.

2.1. Experimental Equipment

The equipment used in this laboratory was the PA. Hilton RE510 Educational PEM Fuel Cell.
The fuel cell used in this laboratory is shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Fuel Cell Used in Laboratory

The fuel cell uses a robust and highly proven fuel cell from a major international manufacturer.
The fuel cell has been adapted to suit the educational requirements for lecturers and student
needs. The unit offers an all air system, an ambient pressure system with an integral fan, uses
a single air stream, compact size, and an integral variable load, allowing the stack to be operated
over its full capacity. [6]

The module consists of 18 Ballard cells connected in series each with an effective area of
50cm2. The system had integrated auxiliary subsystems including a bank of resistors for
simulating a change of load, a hydrogen supply system with an additional gas regulator, oxidant
air circulation system, air cooling supply ad an electronic control and safety system with a
sensor which can interrupt the operation in the event of leakage detection. [6]

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Dry hydrogen 99.95% pure (or better) at 1-2 bar (maximum) is sullied from a pressurised
cylinder and the oxidant air is circulated using an electrical fan. The heat produced by the stack
is dissipated to the surroundings using air fans on the top of the unit. An integrated data
acquisition system can be used to monitor and record parameters (such as flow rates, current,
voltage, temperatures, etc.) of the operation. [6]

The following numbered items outline the components of the Fuel Cell:

01. Main Panel 02. Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

03. Residual Current Device (RCD) 04. External Power Outlet
05. 15 Amp Thermal Circuit Breaker 06. Hydrogen Integrity Indicator LED
07. USB Interface Port 08. Perspex Window
09. Mass Flow Meter (MFM) 10. Pressure Regulating Gauge (2.0 bar Max.)
11. Hydrogen Control Valve 12. Anemometer
13. Air Inlet Plenum Chamber 14. Fuel Cell (FC)
15. Vent Valve 16. Air Exit Plenum
17. Cooling and Stoichiometry Fan

The hydrogen consumption of the Fuel Cell is displayed in Standard Litres per Minute (SLM)
i.e. the internal mass flow meter is calibrated at STP. [6]

2.2. Experimental Procedure

The start-up sequence is triggered by clicking the start button on the control panel window
of the software. A few seconds later a load state is activated at a default value and a number
of hydrogen purges occurred to remove any water accumulated within the electrolyte
membrane and for providing sufficient hydrogen for initialising the chemical reaction. The
oxidant/coolant fan is ramped up to supply enough air heat management and for oxidation
processes on the cathode side of the fuel cell. [6]

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3. Results
This chapter will outline the results obtained during the laboratory.

3.1. Measurements Recorded

The picture below shows the results obtained during the laboratory. The results show values
for the SLM, Amps, Watts, and velocity. The results are shown in Figure 3 below:

Figure 3: Measurements Recorded

Figure 4: Recorded Results

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4. Calculations
This chapter will cover and discuss the sample calculations performed during the laboratory.

4.1. Introduction
The calculations performed use values obtained from the experimental testing conducted
during the laboratory. The calculations will be used to obtain a value for the experimental
coefficient of performances.

4.2. Hydrogen Flowrate

In the calculations, all flow rates were converted into mol/s. the hydrogen flow is measured in
standard litres per minute (SLM), and then converted to a molar flow rate (mol/s):

Formula:
1.667 105 3 1
2 = 2 ()
0.02243 1
Where:
0.224 m3 is the volume occupied by 1 mole of any gas at STP and
1.667x10-5 is the conversion factor from SLM to m3/s

The Hydrogen flow rate (mol/s) required for the given power output may also be determined
from:
x
2 =
2 x

Where:
= number of cells
= stack current (A)
= Faraday constant i.e. charge on one mole of electrons (96,485.3415 C/mole
electrons)

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 18 x 12.5
2 =
2 x 96485.3415
2 = 1.1165 x 103

4.3. Air Flowrate

The molar airflow rate from the instrumentation may be computed rom the air speed, the
effective area of the anemometer orifice (given as 2.0986 x 10-3 m2) and the molar volume at
the air inlet temperature (i.e. Thermocouple 1). The molar volume (m3) at the inlet temperature
is:

Formula:

( ) =

Where:
= air inlet temperature (K)
= air inlet pressure (Pa)
= 0.0224 m3

24.3 + 273 0.0224

( ) =
273

( ) = 0.024

4.4. The Actual Air Molar Flowrate

Formula:
2
=
( ) 4

Where:
= air flow anemometer reading (m/s)
= diameter of the effective area of the anemometer (m)

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 4.5. Fuel Stoichiometry
The stoichiometric oxygen molar flow rate (mol/s) required for the reaction is deduced from
the hydrogen flow rate, i.e. that half the hydrogen molar quantities of oxygen are needed hence:

Formula:
2 = 0.5 2

Where:
2 is the Hydrogen flowrate

2 = 0.5 1.119 103

2 = 5.595 104

Assuming that oxygen comprises 21% of ambient air, then stoichiometric molar flow rate of
air (mol/s) is:

2
=
0.21
5.595 x 104
=
0.21

= 0.00266

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 4.6. Fuel Cell Efficiency
The maximum efficiency achievable from the cell is given as:

Formula:

= 100
H

To calculate the fuel cell efficiency, the higher and lower heating value are needed. the higher
heating and lower heating value were obtained from the steam tables.

Figure 5: Steam Table Values

The molecular weight of H2 was taken as 2.016 kg/kmol.

Figure 6: Conversions Completed

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= 100
H

= 100
( )2

Power Out
= 100
Hydrogen Flowrate x Higher Heating Value


= 100

(150)
= 100
(1.16x103 2.016) (142180)

= 45.11%

The efficiency values were calculated for both the higher heating value and the lower heating
value were calculated. The lower heating value was calculated using the same method as shown
above. The efficiency values are shown in Figure 7 below.

Figure 7: Efficiency Values

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5. Discussion of Results
The hydrogen flowrate was calculated twice, using two different methods. The hydrogen
flowrate was measured in standard litres per minute. The two different methods are shown in
Figure 8 below. The second equation was used for the further calculations performed as it is
generally considered more accurate as the it features less errors.

Figure 8: Different Flowrate Equations

The total amount of heat used during the combustion of a fuel is known as the higher heating
value (HHV), this includes latent heat which has been stored in the vaporised water. The
amount of heat available from a fuel after the latent heat of vaporisation, is known as the lower
heating value (LHV). Fuel suppliers normally use the HHV to quote fuel prices. Whereas the
LHV is the realistic amount of heat obtained from the fuel. The HHV will be used when
discussing the efficiency difference. The efficiency was determined using the higher and lower
heating values. The efficiencies for each can be found in Figure 7 of this report. The higher
heating value was calculated to be 45.11% and the lower heating value was found to be 53.36%.
The results show that the lower heating value was the more efficient compared against the
higher heating value.

According to [7] the maximum theoretical efficiency of a PEM fuel cell is around 50-55%
efficiency based on the higher heating value. However, when this value is compared to the
values obtained in this report there is clearly a substantial delta., considering that the higher
heating value was calculated to be 45.11%. This may have been caused through the fact that
not all of the hydrogen is used during the process of running the system, thus the unused
hydrogen would decrease the efficiency of the fuel cell. Another for this may be due to storage
losses, the hydrogen used may have been of poor quality and would have contributed to the
efficiency value obtained. Other errors such as measurement, instrumentation, and operator
error all may have contributed to the efficiency values obtained.

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6. Conclusions & Recommendations
This section will cover the conclusions drawn from this report and will suggest some
recommendations to improve the laboratory if re-done in the future.

6.1. Conclusions
Purpose of this experiment was to determine the performance of the PEM fuel cell. The
efficiency was determined using both the higher heating value and the lower heating value, this
was done using the PA Hilton PEM fuel cell, where experimental readings were taken after the
fuel cell was operational for a period of time, and were used for the basis of the system
performance results obtained.

The higher heating value was calculated to be 45.11% and the lower heating value was found
to be 53.36%. The results show that the lower heating value was the more efficient when
compared against the higher heating value.

In conclusion of this report, the laboratory conducted was successful with multiple learning
outcomes. Hydrogen fuel cells are an exciting and increasing attractive technology for future
applications. Its hoped that with continued research and study into the technology which yield
further improvements in this area and the fuel cell will become a more common solution to our
energy needs.

6.2. Recommendations
The following are some recommendations that are suggested to improve the laboratory in the
future:
If additional technologies were evaluated to draw direct comparisons
If the scale of the wind farm was evaluated at different points, drawing comparisons
between the different sizing options.
If further evaluations took place in varying locations to determine the effect of weather
conditions and location.

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7. References

[1] Unknown, Fuel Cell Basics, November 2016. [Online]. Available:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/fuelcells/basics.htm.
[2] A. L. Dicks, Hydrogen generation from natural gas for the fuel cell systems of
tomorrow, Journal of Power Sources, vol. 61, no. 1-2, pp. 113-124, 1996.
[3] M. B. Diego Feroldi, Description of PEM Fuel Cells System, [Online]. Available:
www.springer.com/cda/content/document/cda.../9781849961837-c2.pdf?SGWID.
[Accessed 23 November 2016].
[4] K. A. F. D. U. S. P. D. Linda Carrette Dr., Fuel Cells: Principles, Types, Fuels, and
Applications, 15 December 2000. [Online]. Available:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1439-7641(20001215)1:4%3C162::AID-
CPHC162%3E3.0.CO;2-Z/full. [Accessed 27 November 2016].
[5] Unknown, Coefficient of Performance, Business Dictionary, [Online]. Available:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/coefficient-of-performance-COP.html.
[Accessed 25 November 2016].
[6] A. Reynolds, PA Hilton Educational PEM Fuel Cell, 2016.
[7] S. S. G. C. M. Sukhvinder P. S. Badwal, Emerging electrochemical energy conversion
and storage technologies, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation, 24 September 2014.

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