Water and Thermal Management of an Indirect Methanol Fuel Cell System for Automotive Applications

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Eggert ◽  
P. Badrinarayanan ◽  
David Friedman ◽  
Joshua Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Thermal Management ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell Vehicle ◽  
Temperature Management ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Methanol Fuel Cell

Abstract Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems using steam-reformed methanol are currently under consideration for first generation commercial fuel cell vehicles. Proper water and heat management of such a system is critical in achieving high overall efficiency and maintaining water self-sufficiency. The first part of the paper briefly describes the key aspects of the water and thermal management (WTM) model developed as part of the Fuel Cell Vehicle Modeling Program (FCVMP) at the University of California – Davis. The main purpose of this model was to determine the water self-sufficiency and temperature management requirements of the indirect methanol fuel cell system and to evaluate the associated parasitic losses. This model has imbedded in it the main components of the fuel cell system, such as the fuel cell stack, air compressor, and fuel processor as seen by the WTM system. The second half of the paper discusses the results obtained from the model and their implications. We find that the cooling and humidification of the anode and cathode inlet streams can be accomplished with water injection and therefore, a separate heat exchanger is not needed for additional cooling. Additionally we find that the instantaneous and cumulative excess water is determined by factors such as air supply characteristics, condenser efficiency, ambient air humidity, and stack attributes. We find that these factors can affect the ability of the vehicle to achieve true water self-sufficiency.

Definition and Cost Evaluation of Fuel Cell Bus and Passenger Vehicle Power Plants

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D. James ◽  
Jennie M. Moton ◽  
Whitney G. Colella
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell Vehicle ◽  
Pt Catalyst ◽  
Stoichiometric Ratio ◽  
Operating Pressure ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
System Cost ◽  
Capital Costs

A design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA™) analysis is applied to future bus and automotive fuel cell vehicle (FCV) system designs. This DFMA™ analysis is used to identify (1) optimal fuel cell system (FCS) operating parameters for system cost minimization, (2) FCV designs appropriate for volume manufacture, (3) FCV manufacturing supply chain designs, (4) projected future capital costs of FCVs at varying manufacturing rates, and (5) primary cost drivers. This DFMA™ analysis focuses on the FCS drive train. It excludes fuel storage, the electric drive drain, and all other parts of the vehicle (chassis, exterior, etc.). These FCSs are envisioned to use low temperature proton exchange membrane (LT PEM) stacks to convert hydrogen fuel into electric power. Models are developed to minimize LT PEM fuel cell system costs by finding the cost optimal combination of (1) stack operating pressure, (2) cell voltage, (3) platinum (Pt) catalyst loading, (4) stoichiometric ratio of oxygen, and (5) coolant stack exit temperature. A multi-variable Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis indicates, with 90% confidence, that a FCS producing peak net 160 kilowatt-electric (kWe) for a bus application and produced at a rate of 1,000 FCS/year (yr) is expected to cost between $251/kWe and $334/kWe. Similarly, a peak net 80 kWe automotive FCS manufactured at a rate of 500,000 FCSs/year is estimated to cost between $51/kWe and $65/kWe, with 90% confidence. Total FCS costs are the sum of PEM stack and balance of plant (BOP) costs. The BOP components represent 32% of the bus FCS costs and 48% of the automotive system cost.

Technology Status and Design Overview of a Hybrid Fuel Cell System for a Motorcycle

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan J. English ◽  
Ramesh K. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Engine Design ◽  
Active Liquid ◽  
Scale Down ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The global development of fuel cell based propulsion has emphasized larger vehicles, with most manufacturers demonstrating a car, van or truck. However, the transportation market in many countries is dominated by smaller two and three wheeled vehicles. A fuel cell motorcycle could replace two stroke scooters that proliferate emissions, as well as, their electric counterparts that require long recharges for short ranges, and also four stroke motorcycles. This paper is a review and assessment of literature relating to the design and analysis of hybrid electric fuel cell motorcycle engines. The engine design is intended for a specific demonstration motorcycle, but should be able to scale down to a scooter size, or be adapted to work in other small vehicles. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell system utilizes an ambient air blower, pure hyrogen storage in metal hydrides, a control system, active liquid cooling, a radiator, power conditioning and water management systems.

On-Board Reforming Effects on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Vehicles

2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisie D. Boettner ◽  
Gino Paganelli ◽  
Yann G. Guezennec ◽  
Giorgio Rizzoni ◽  
Michael J. Moran
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Fuel Economy ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
System Model ◽  
Fuel Cell Vehicle ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Exchange Membrane

This paper incorporates a methanol reformer model with a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system model for automotive applications. The reformer model and fuel cell system model have been integrated into a vehicle performance simulator that determines fuel economy and other performance features. Fuel cell vehicle fuel economy using on-board methanol reforming is compared with fuel economy using direct-hydrogen fueling. The overall performance using reforming is significantly less than in a direct-hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

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