PEM fuel cells analysis for grid connected applications

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 36; no. 17; pp. 10908 - 10916
• Main Authors: Sergi, F., Brunaccini, G., Stassi, A., Di Blasi, A., Dispenza, G., Aricò, A.S., Ferraro, M., Antonucci, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Current ripple; Degradation; Distributed generation; Disturbances; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Endurance; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell system; Fuel cells; Fuels; Grid connected; Hydrogen; Proton Exchange membrane fuel cell; Ripples; Utilities; Fuel cell system; Current ripple; Grid connected; Distributed generation; Proton Exchange membrane fuel cell; Chemical analysis; Polymer electrolytes; Hydrogen; Electrode material; Electrochemical characteristic; Degradation; Membrane; Proton Exchange membrane; Performance; Catalyst; Proton exchange; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.05.161

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) fed by hydrogen were investigated with the aim of highlighting their behaviour during grid connected (GC) operation. Starting from the analysis of the systems working under practical conditions on the utility grid, the study was addressed to the materials degradation during GC applications. Endurance tests on 5 kW pre-commercial PEFC fuel cell systems were carried out at direct current constant load and in GC configuration. An evidence of disturbance on the FC system power output was observed. The study was focused on Low Frequency (LF) 100 Hz noise (current ripple) that can mainly affect the fuel cell performance and lifetime. In order to evaluate the issues that occurred on the active components of a PEMFC, when subjected to a current ripple, electrochemical characterizations were performed on single cells of 5 cm 2 subjected to a dynamic load. Post mortem physico-chemical analyses showed materials degradation on the cathode catalyst associated to the current ripple. ► Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. ► Fuel cell system. ► Current ripple. ► Grid connected. ► Distributed generation.