CONTENTS
Foreword
Preface and acknowledgments
Preface to the Second Edition
1 Introduction
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
What Is a Fuel Cell?
A Very Brief History of Fuel Cells
Types of Fuel Cells
How Does a PEM Fuel Cell Work?
1.5. Why Do We Need Fuel Cells?
1.6. Fuel Cell Applications
References
2 Fuel Cell Basic Chemistry and Thermodynamics
ix
xi
xv
1
1
4
8
10
12
13
16
17
2.1. Basic Reactions
17
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
Heat of Reaction
Higher and Lower Heating Value of Hydrogen
Theoretical Electrical Work
Theoretical Fuel Cell Potential
17
18
19
20
Effect of Temperature
Theoretical Fuel Cell Efficiency
Carnot Efficiency Myth
Effect of Pressure
Summary
21
24
26
28
29
2.6.
2.7.
2.8.
2.9.
2.10.
Problems
Quiz
References
3 Fuel Cell Electrochemistry
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
30
31
32
33
Electrode Kinetics
Voltage Losses
Cell Potential: Polarization Curve
Distribution of Potential Across a Fuel Cell
Sensitivity of Parameters in Polarization Curve
33
39
48
50
52
3.6. Fuel Cell Efficiency
3.7. Implications and Use of Fuel Cell Polarization Curve
59
61
v
j
vi
Contents
Solution
Solution
Solution
Problems
Quiz
65
66
67
69
70
References
72
4 Main Cell Components, Material Properties, and Processes
4.1. Cell Description
4.2. Membrane
73
73
75
Solution
4.3. Electrodes
4.4. Gas Diffusion Layer
4.5. Bipolar Plates
Problems
90
92
97
104
112
Quiz
References
113
115
5 Fuel Cell Operating Conditions
119
5.1. Operating Pressure
119
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
5.6.
121
124
130
144
149
Operating Temperature
Reactant Flow Rates
Reactant Humidity
Fuel Cell Mass Balance
Fuel Cell Energy Balance
Problems
Quiz
References
154
155
157
6 Stack Design
159
6.1. Sizing a Fuel Cell Stack
6.2. Stack Configuration
6.3. Uniform Distribution of Reactants to Each Cell
6.4. Uniform Distribution of Reactants Inside Each Cell
Solution
159
163
167
172
187
6.5. Heat Removal from a Fuel Cell Stack
Solution
Solution
6.6. Stack Clamping
189
194
199
208
Contents
Problems
Quiz
References
7 Fuel Cell Modeling
vii
211
212
213
217
7.1. Theory and Governing Equations
218
7.2. Modeling Domains
7.3. Modeling Examples
7.4. Conclusions
Problems
228
231
259
259
Quiz
References
260
261
8 Fuel Cell Diagnostics
265
8.1. Electrochemical Techniques
8.2. Physical and Chemical Methods
266
282
8.3. Conclusions
Problems
Quiz
References
295
297
297
299
9 Fuel Cell System Design
305
9.1. Hydrogen/Oxygen Systems
9.2. Hydrogen/Air Systems
Solution
Solution
305
314
317
318
9.3. Fuel Cell Systems with Fuel Processors
9.4. Electrical Subsystem
9.5. System Efficiency
Problems
333
358
364
368
Quiz
References
369
371
10 Fuel Cell Applications
373
10.1. Transportation Applications
10.2. Stationary Power
373
392
10.3. Backup Power
10.4. Fuel Cells for Small Portable Power
10.5. Regenerative Fuel Cells and Their Applications
414
419
422
viii
Contents
Problems
Quiz
References
11 Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
429
431
432
435
11.1. Introduction
435
11.2.
11.3.
11.4.
11.5.
436
438
441
447
Scope and Organization of This Chapter
Types of Performance Losses
PEFC Components Associated with Different Types of Losses
Operating Conditions
11.6. Accelerated Test Protocols
11.7. Conclusions and Future Outlook
Acknowledgments
References
12 Future of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen
460
464
466
466
469
12.1.
12.2.
12.3.
12.4.
Introduction
A Brief History of Hydrogen as a Fuel
Hydrogen Energy Technologies
Is the Present Global Energy System Sustainable?
469
470
472
487
12.5.
12.6.
12.7.
12.8.
12.9.
Predicting the Future
Sustainable Energy System of the Future
Transition to Hydrogen or a “Hydricity Economy”
The Coming Energy Revolution?
Conclusions
491
495
500
503
505
References
Index
505
509