Catalyst Engineering for Electrochemical Energy Conversion from Water to Water:Water Electrolysis and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell

In the context of the current serious problems related to energy demand and climate change,substantial progress has been made in developing a sustainable energy system.Electrochemical hydrogen-water conversion is an ideal energy system that can produce fuels via sustainable,fossil-free pathways.However,the energy conversion efficiency of two functioning technologies in this energy system—namely,water electrolysis and the fuel cell—still has great scope for improvement.This review analyzes the energy dissipation of water electrolysis and the fuel cell in the hydrogen-water energy system and discusses the key barriers in the hydrogen-and oxygen-involving reactions that occur on the catalyst surface.By means of the scaling relations between reactive intermediates and their apparent catalytic performance,this article summarizes the frameworks of the catalytic activity trends,providing insights into the design of highly active electrocatalysts for the involved reactions.A series of structural engineering methodologies(including nano architecture,facet engineering,polymorph engineering,amorphization,defect engineering,element doping,interface engineering,and alloying)and their applications based on catalytic performance are then introduced,w让h an emphasis on the rational guidance from previous theoretical and experimental studies.The key scientific problems in the electrochemical hydrogen-water conversion system are outlined,and future directions are proposed for developing advanced catalysts for technologies with high energy-conversion efficiency.

兆瓦级PEMFC系统的设计和应用

质子交换膜燃料电池(PEMFC)可实现电力和热力的联合供应,是支持零碳能源战略的重要技术路径。对兆瓦级PEMFC系统进行介绍与分析,对工程化应用中的实践提供逆变器、变压器、板式换热器和能量管理系统等部件的选型依据与建议,并指出在系统运行中自耗电占比最高的部件为空压机和散热风扇,分别占自耗电总功率的82.0%和10.7%。兆瓦级PEMFC系统在氯碱工厂中的商业化应用,可将原本排空的氢气发电,提高厂区能量利用效率,创造经济效益。

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) in Automotive Applications: Environmental Relevance of the Manufacturing Stage

This study presents a state of the art of several studies dealing with the environmental impact assessment of fuel cell (FC) vehicles and the comparison with their conventional fossil-fuelled counterparts, by means of the Life Cycle As-sessment (LCA) methodology. Results declare that, depending on the systems characteristics, there are numerous envi-ronmental advantages, but also some disadvantages can be expected. In addition, the significance of the manufac-turing process of the FC, more specifically the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) type, in terms of environmental impact is presented. Finally, CIEMAT’s role in HYCHAIN European project, consisting of supporting early adopters for hydrogen FCs in the transport sector, is

Research on the technical scheme of multi-stack common rail fuel cell engine based on the demand of commercial vehicle

At present,most fuel cell engines are single-stack systems,and high-power single-stack systems have bottlenecks in meeting the power requirements of heavy-duty trucks,mainly because the increase in the single active area and the excessive number of cells will lead to poor distribution uniformity of water,gas and heat in the stack,which will cause local attenuation and reduce the performance of the stack.This paper introduces the design concept of internal combustion engine,takes three-stack fuel cell engine as an example,designs multi-stack fuel cell system scheme and serialized high-voltage scheme.Through Intelligent control technology of independent hydrogen injection based on multi-stack coupling,the hydrogen injection inflow of each stack is controlled online according to the real-time anode pressure to achieve accurate fuel injection of a single stack and ensure the consistency between multiple stacks.proves the performance advantage of multi-stack fuel cell engine through theoretical design,intelligent control and test verification,and focuses on analyzing the key technical problems that may exist in multi-stack consistency.The research results provide a reference for the design of multi-stack fuel cell engines,and have important reference value for the powertrain design of long-distance heavy-duty and high-power fuel cell trucks.

CO_(2) conversion to solar fuels and chemicals:Opening the new paths

This future article discusses the new prospects and directions of CO_(2)conversion via the photo-electrocatalytic(PEC)route.The second(2nd)generation solar fuels and chemicals(SFs)are generated directly in PEC systems via electrons/protons reactions without forming molecular H_(2)as an intermediate,overcoming the thermodynamics limitations and practical issues encountered for electro-fuels produced by multistep thermocatalytic processes(i.e.CO_(2)conversion with H_(2)coming from water electrolysis).A distributed and decentralized production of SFs requires very compact,highly integrated,and intensified technologies.Among the existing reactors of advanced design(based on artificial leaves or photosynthesis),the integrated photovoltaic plus electrocatalytic(PV-EC)device is the only system(demonstrated at large scale)to produce SFs with high solar-to-fuel(STF)efficiency.However,while the literature indicates STF efficiency as the main(and only)measure of process performance,we remark here the need to refer to productivity(in terms of current density)and make tests with reliable flow PEC systems(with electrodes of at least 5–10 cm^(2))to accelerate the scaling-up process.Using approaches that minimize downstream separation costs is also mandatory.Many limitations exist in PEC systems,but most can be overcome by proper electrode and cell engineering,thus going beyond the properties of the electrocatalysts.As examples of current developments,we present the progress of(i)artificial leaf/tree devices for green H_(2)distributed production and(ii)a PEC device producing the same chemicals at both cathode and anode parts without downstream operations for green solvent distributed production.Based on these developments,future directions,such as producing fertilizers and food components from the air,are outlined.The aim is to provide new ideas and research directions from a personal perspective.

Cruise/Simulink Combined Simulation for Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles

In order to accelerate the design of fuel cell(FC)/battery hybrid vehicles and optimize the related performance,a new modeling and simulation method for the fuel cell(FC)/battery hybrid vehicle was introduced in this paper.The co-simulation platform was set up by combining MATLAB/Simulink with AVL/Cruise,where the FC engine was realized in MATLAB/Simulink and the other most vehicle components were modeled in AVL/Cruise.The performance of a certain FC hybrid vehicle with the embedded FC engine was evaluated by using the platform.Simulation results show that this method of simulation can be applied for the design of power management strategy,power unit configuration,and performance evaluation of FC hybrid vehicles.

A Case Study of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Plant on Board a Cruise Ship

The work is a case study of a cruise ship supplied by liquefied natural gas(LNG)and equipped with a solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC).It is supposed that a 20 MW SOFC plant is installed on-board to supply hotel loads and assisting three dual-fuel(DF)diesel/LNG generator sets.LNG consumption and emissions are estimated both for the SOFC plant and DF generator sets.It results that the use of LNG-SOFC plant in comparison to DF generator sets allows to limit significantly the SO_(x),CO,NO_(x),PM emissions and to reduce the emission of CO_(2)by about 11%.A prediction of the weight and volume of the SOFC plant is conducted and a preliminary modification of the general arrangement of the cruise ship is suggested,according to the latest international rules.It results that the SOFC plant is heavier and occupies more volume on board than a DF gen-set;nevertheless,these features do not affect the floating and the stability of the cruise ship.

Process engineering in electrochemical energy devices innovation

This review focuses on the application of process engineering in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices innovation. For polymer electrolyte based devices, it highlights that a strategic simple switch from proton exchange membranes(PEMs) to hydroxide exchange membranes(HEMs) may lead to a new-generation of affordable electrochemical energy devices including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and solar hydrogen generators. For lithium-ion batteries, a series of advancements in design and chemistry are required for electric vehicle and energy storage applications. Manufacturing process development and optimization of the LiF eP O_4/C cathode materials and several emerging novel anode materials are also discussed using the authors' work as examples.Design and manufacturing process of lithium-ion battery electrodes are introduced in detail, and modeling and optimization of large-scale lithium-ion batteries are also presented. Electrochemical energy materials and device innovations can be further prompted by better understanding of the fundamental transport phenomena involved in unit operations.

PEMFC边框密封结构的仿真与优化

质子交换膜燃料电池的边框一般通过黏结剂黏接在质子交换膜上,在保护质子交换膜的同时,还起到密封作用。燃料电池长期工作在复杂的环境下,边框和黏结剂的性能均会发生疲劳衰减,导致被剥离或破坏,进而影响燃料电池的气密性。因此,以边框和黏结剂的搭接试件为对象,结合内聚力模型和有限元软件设计了多种边框结构,研究了新结构对黏结性能的影响。结果表明:在低弹性模量的边框表面做三角形或梯形的凸形结构,将有效提升黏结结构的分离位移,但对于高弹性模量的边框,新结构反而会降低黏结性能;此外,优化结构的尺寸、形状对搭接模型黏结性能也有影响,当凸三角形底边长为1.5 mm时,搭接模型有最好的黏结性能。

Development of a miniature silicon wafer fuel cell using L-ascorbic acid as fuel

In the current studies a miniature silicon wafer fuel cell(FC) using L-ascorbic acid as fuel was developed. The cell employs L-ascorbic acid and air as reactants and a thin polymer electrolyte as a separator. Inductively coupled plasma(ICP) silicon etching was employed to fabricate high aspect-ratio columns on the silicon substrate to increase the surface area. A thin platinum layer deposited directly on the silicon surface by the sputtering was used as the catalyst layer for L-ascorbic acid electro-oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry shows that the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid on the sputtered platinum layer is irreversible and that the onset potentials for the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid are from 0.27 V to 0.35 V versus an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. It is found that at the room temperature,with 1 mol/L L-ascorbic acid/PBS(phosphate buffered solution) solution pumped to the anode at 1 ml/min flow rate and air spontaneously diffusing to the cathode as the oxidant,the maximum output power density of the cell was 1.95 mW/cm2 at a current density of 10 mA/cm2.

Theoretical On-Board Hydrogen Redox Electric Power Generator for Infinite Cruising Range Fuel Cell Vehicles

The development of hydrogen redox electric power generators for infinite cruising range electric vehicles represents a true technological breakthrough. Such systems consist of a polymer electrolyte membrane hydrogen electrolytic cell equipped with an electrostatic-induction potential-superposed water electrolytic cell that provides a stoichiometric H2-O2 fuel mixture during operation of the vehicle. This generator functions with zero power input, zero matter input and zero emission due to the so-called ＂zero power input＂ electrostatic-to-chemical energy conversion occurring in the electrolytic cell. Here, theoretical simulations were performed to verify the target performance of such generators, assuming a pair of FC （fuel cell） and electrolytic cell stacks, both of which are commercially available.

Application of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Auxiliary Power Unit on Different Trucks in Northeast China

A diesel engine of conventional trucks has a low efficiency under the idling condition,leading to a high cost for heating or cooling in the cab during night. The solution to this problem will have great significance on energy conservation and emission reduction. A new auxiliary power unit of solid oxide fuel cell( SOFCAPU) with high efficiency solves this problem perfectly. Heat pump air conditioner is considered as a promising device for the application of SOFC-APU with a high cooling and heating efficiency. To make a quantitative analysis for the application of SOFC-APU,a model is built in Matlab / Simulink. The diesel engine model and SOFC-APU model are fitted based on some experimental data of SOFC-APU and diesel engine during the idling operation. An analysis of the application of SOFC-APU on different trucks in Northeast China is comprehensively made,including efficiency and emission.

Design and Control of a DC Boost Converter for Fuel-Cell-Powered Marine Vehicles

Economic factors along with legislation and policies to counter harmful pollution apply specifically to maritime drive research for improved power generation and energy storage.Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are considered among the most promising options for marine applications.Switching converters are the most common interfaces between fuel cells and all types of load in order to provide a stable regulated voltage.In this paper,a method using artificial neural networks(ANNs)is developed to control the dynamics and response of a fuel cell connected with a DC boost converter.Its capability to adapt to different loading conditions is established.Furthermore,a cycle-mean,black-box model for the switching device is also proposed.The model is centred about an ANN,too,and can achieve considerably faster simulation times making it much more suitable for power management applications.

The Energy Optimization Mathematic Algorithm on Multi-energy Resource Powertrain of Fuel Cell Vehicle

In order to solve the core issue of the energy regulation （ER） on multi-energy resource powertrain of fuel cell vehicle, the work functions of each component were defined; the mathematical algorithm model of energy regulation was established and the relevant solution was found. This algorithm was evaluated successfully on the hardware in loop （FILL） platform under three typical urban running cycles. The results showed ER control target had been realized and the mathematical algorithm was effective and reasonable. Based on the HIL simulation, some conclusions and ER strategies were made. According to the different power component parameters and real time control request, this algorithm should be modified and calibrated for application in the actual control system.

Possibility of Using Ni-Co Alloy As Catalyst for Oxygen Electrode of Fuel Cell

In recent years, the scale of use of fuel cells （FCs） has been increasing continuously. One of the essential elements that affect their work is a catalyst. Precious metals （mainly platinum） are known for their high efficiency as FC catalysts. However, their high cost holds back the FCs from application on a large scale. Therefore, catalysts that do not contain precious metals are sought. Studies are focused mainly on the search for fuel electrode catalysts, but for the efficiency of FCs also the oxygen electrode catalyst is of great significance. The paper presents an analysis of the possibilitiesof using Ni-Co alloy as a catalyst for the oxygen electrode of the FC.

Fuel Cells as Energy Systems： Efficiency, Power Limits and Thermodynamic Behavior

Steady-state model of a high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell （SOFC） is considered, which refers to constant chemical potentials of incoming hydrogen fuel and oxidant. Lowering of the cell voltage below its reversible value is attributed to polarizations and imperfect conversions of reactions. An imperfect power formula summarizes the effect of transport laws, irreversible polarizations and efficiency of power yield. Reversible electrochemical theory is extended to the case with dissipative chemical reactions; this case includes systems with incomplete conversions, characterized by ＂reduced affinities＂ and an idle run voltage. Efficiency drop is linked with thermodynamic and electrochemical irreversibilities expressed in terms of polarizations （activation, concentration and ohmic）. Effect of incomplete conversions is modeled by assuming that substrates can be remained after the reaction and that side reactions may occur. Optimum and feasibility conditions are discussed for basic input parameters of the cell. Calculations of maximum power show that the data differ for power generated and consumed and depend on current intensity, number of mass transfer units, polarizations, electrode surface area, average chemical rate, etc.. These data provide bounds for SOFC energy generators, which are more exact and informative than reversible bounds for electrochemical transformation.

氢能技术及其在车用领域应用现状综述

化石燃料的快速消耗迫切地需要寻找绿色清洁的替代能源,氢能是一种来源丰富、绿色低碳、应用广泛的二次能源,具有高能量、无污染的特性,是当下重要的工业原料。本文较为全面地分析了氢能的制取与储存,并且围绕氢能在车用领域的应用,因为在碳峰值和碳中和的背景下,内燃机行业的发展正面临着最好的转型机遇。加快氢发动机关键技术的研发和应用已成为世界各国政府和各大汽车企业的重要战略。本文对比了氢燃料电池与氢燃料内燃机的特点,对未来氢能源利用的产业化前景进行了分析。

浅析氢燃料电池发动机及其辅助系统状态监测与故障诊断

氢燃料电池发动机作为氢能车辆核心动力单元,其电堆运行状态健康监测和故障诊断直接影响车辆使用和电堆的寿命。当前采用的监测手段主要是对电堆电流和电堆单片电压的监控,通过判断电堆各个单体的电压一致性,以及是否有出现个别单体电压低的问题来判断电堆的健康状态。存在的问题是没有对先期机械故障即早期零部件失效进行监控,电堆能否正常工作也受制于提供空气和冷却的主要零件空压机和水泵的影响,当前仅通过电压巡检器对电堆单体电压的监测被动的报警,当报警时已经出现零件机械结构问题需要车辆进站维修更换零部件,影响车辆的正常出勤。所以有必要通过振动信号进行空压机、水泵等零部件故障的先期诊断评估,并在车辆保养或者闲时进行维修,可避免影响车辆正常营运,减少客户抱怨。

氢能源飞机的现状与未来

航空运输业碳排放较高,因此计划用氢能源代替传统航空燃油以降低碳排放,以氢燃料电池和氢燃料航空发动机作为飞机的动力源。围绕氢能源本身,对氢燃料电池和氢燃料航空燃气涡轮发动机展开论述,总结氢能源发展的主要技术难题,为氢能源飞机发展提供参考。

锂电池与燃料电池混合观光车动力系统的优化设计

为了解决传统电动车续航焦虑的问题,对燃料电池观光车进行了功率匹配设计与仿真验证,提出了一种功率跟随型能量管理策略。对比了纯锂电池观光车(LI)、纯燃料电池观光车(FC)、LI与FC的混合动力观光车(LI-FC)的输出特性,并仿真试验。结果表明:LI-FC的爬坡度与纯锂电池观光车不相上下,续航里程较纯锂电池观光车提升了15%,等效氢耗较纯锂电池观光车减少了53%,动力电池荷电状态(SOC)能保持在0.5~0.9之间稳定工作,燃料电池也会在额定工况与怠速工况下稳定切换。因此,燃料电池锂电池混合动力观光车具有这3种观光车中最优续航能力、较好的使用经济性、最好的使用稳定性,燃料电池与动力电池都能在期望工况下稳定工作,有较好的竞争力。