scholarly journals Dynamic Mechanical Fatigue Behavior of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Using a Gas Pressure-Loaded Blister

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 4177
Author(s):  
Jun Hyun Lim ◽  
Jian Hou ◽  
Chang Hyun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Proton Conductivity ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Dynamic Mechanical ◽  
Mechanical Fatigue ◽  
Aging Test ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Mechanical Aging

This study reports on an innovative press-loaded blister hybrid system equipped with gas-chromatography (PBS-GC) that is designed to evaluate the mechanical fatigue of two representative types of commercial Nafion membranes under relevant PEMFC operating conditions (e.g., simultaneously controlling temperature and humidity). The influences of various applied pressures (50 kPa, 100 kPa, etc.) and blistering gas types (hydrogen, oxygen, etc.) on the mechanical resistance loss are systematically investigated. The results evidently indicate that hydrogen gas is a more effective blistering gas for inducing dynamic mechanical losses of PEM. The changes in proton conductivity are also measured before and after hydrogen gas pressure-loaded blistering. After performing the mechanical aging test, a decrease in proton conductivity was confirmed, which was also interpreted using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Finally, an accelerated dynamic mechanical aging test is performed using the homemade PBS-GC system, where the hydrogen permeability rate increases significantly when the membrane is pressure-loaded blistering for 10 min, suggesting notable mechanical fatigue of the PEM. In summary, this PBS-GC system developed in-house clearly demonstrates its capability of screening and characterizing various membrane candidates in a relatively short period of time (<1.5 h at 50 kPa versus 200 h).

scholarly journals Faraday’s Efficiency Modeling of a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Based on Experimental Data

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 4792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burin Yodwong ◽  
Damien Guilbert ◽  
Matheepot Phattanasak ◽  
Wattana Kaewmanee ◽  
Melika Hinaje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Hydrogen Pressure ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mechanical Resistance ◽  
Pem Electrolyzer ◽  
Hydrogen Crossover ◽  
Exchange Membrane

In electrolyzers, Faraday’s efficiency is a relevant parameter to assess the amount of hydrogen generated according to the input energy and energy efficiency. Faraday’s efficiency expresses the faradaic losses due to the gas crossover current. The thickness of the membrane and operating conditions (i.e., temperature, gas pressure) may affect the Faraday’s efficiency. The developed models in the literature are mainly focused on alkaline electrolyzers and based on the current and temperature change. However, the modeling of the effect of gas pressure on Faraday’s efficiency remains a major concern. In proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, the thickness of the used membranes is very thin, enabling decreasing ohmic losses and the membrane to operate at high pressure because of its high mechanical resistance. Nowadays, high-pressure hydrogen production is mandatory to make its storage easier and to avoid the use of an external compressor. However, when increasing the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen crossover currents rise, particularly at low current densities. Therefore, faradaic losses due to the hydrogen crossover increase. In this article, experiments are performed on a commercial PEM electrolyzer to investigate Faraday’s efficiency based on the current and hydrogen pressure change. The obtained results have allowed modeling the effects of Faraday’s efficiency by a simple empirical model valid for the studied PEM electrolyzer stack. The comparison between the experiments and the model shows very good accuracy in replicating Faraday’s efficiency.

scholarly journals Review and Assessment of the Effect of Hydrogen Gas Pressure on the Embrittlement of Steels in Gaseous Hydrogen Environment

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 637
Author(s):  
Thorsten Michler ◽  
Ken Wackermann ◽  
Frank Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Gaseous Hydrogen ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Test Parameter ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Important Test ◽  
Pressure Hydrogen ◽  
Reaction Chain

Hydrogen gas pressure is an important test parameter when considering materials for high-pressure hydrogen applications. A large set of data on the effect of hydrogen gas pressure on mechanical properties in gaseous hydrogen experiments was reviewed. The data were analyzed by converting pressures into fugacities (f) and by fitting the data using an f|n| power law. For 95% of the data sets, |n| was smaller than 0.37, which was discussed in the context of (i) rate-limiting steps in the hydrogen reaction chain and (ii) statistical aspects. This analysis might contribute to defining the appropriate test fugacities (pressures) to qualify materials for gaseous hydrogen applications.

Effect of Non-equilibrium Pulsed Ejection of Si Species into Background Gas on the Formation of Si Nanocrystallite and Nanocrystal-film

2011 ◽  
Vol 1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikurou Umezu ◽  
Shunto Okubo ◽  
Akira Sugimura
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Film Growth ◽  
Pulsed Laser ◽  
Pulsed Laser Ablation ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
Spatial Confinement ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Background Gas ◽  
Non Equilibrium

ABSTRACTThe Si nanocrystal-films are prepared by pulsed laser ablation of Si target in a mixture of helium and hydrogen gas. The total gas pressure and hydrogen partial gas pressure were varied to control structure of nanocrystal-film. The surface of Si nanocrystallite was hydrogenated and degree of hydrogenation increased with increasing hydrogen partial gas pressure. The aggregate structure of nanocrystal-film depended on both the total gas pressure and the hydrogen partial gas pressure. The former and the latter alter spatial confinement of Si species during deposition and the surface hydrogenation of individual nanocrystal, respectively. Spatial confinement increases probability of collision between nanocrystals in the plume. While, surface hydrogenation prevents coalescence of nanocrystals. The individual or aggregated nanocrystals formed in the plume reach the substrate and the nanocrystal-film is deposited on the substrate. The non-equilibrium growth processes during pulsed laser ablation are essential for the formation of the surface structure and the subsequent nanocrystal-film growth. Our results indicate that the structure of nanocrystal-film depends on the probabilities of collision and coalescence between nanocrystals in the plume. These probabilities can be varied by controlling the total gas pressure and the hydrogen partial gas pressure.

scholarly journals Environmental Characteristics of Modern Systems of Domestic Use of Fuel. Part 2. Pollutants Formation by Natural Gas Combustion in Atmospheric Burners: Experimental Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-461
Author(s):  
B. S. Soroka ◽  
V. V. Horupa
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Power ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
National Academy Of Sciences ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Hydrocarbon Gases ◽  
Absolute Level ◽  
Toxic Emissions

The Gas Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine performs comprehensive studies of the formation of toxic emissions in the flame of atmospheric burners and beyond the visible burning cones (“rich” primary flame). The experiments are based on the proven significant content of harmful substances in the combustion products of gas fuel in household appliances and on direct contact of consumers with gas emissions during the operation of the stoves. A methodology for the experimental researches of the harmful emissions formation has been proposed while the computerized firing rig serving as the diagnostic facility has been developed for studying the combustion of hydrocarbon gases in the burners of household stoves. Carbon oxides CO and nitrogen oxides NO and NO2 are considered as toxic emissions, while the primary air excess coefficient and the heat load of the burner are considered as variable parameters. Under operating conditions of a gas stove, its variable characteristics are the gas pressure in front of the nozzle of the atmospheric burner and its thermal power. When optimizing the design of burners, the determinant value of the stability of burning, energy and environmental indicators of fuel combustion is the coefficient of excess of primary air λpr at a given gas pressure before the burner. The influence of this coefficient on the formation of CO, NO, NO2 is established, and the possibility of emissions with a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide is proved. Since the concentration of [NO] decreases with an increase in λpr, and the absolute level of [NO2] concentrations is not significantly affected by the value of λpr, it is determined that the proportion of [NO2] concentration in the [NOx] = [NO] + [NO2] compound increases with an increase in the primary air excess coefficient.

In-Situ Diffraction Studies of Gas Storage Materials on a Laboratory X-Ray System

2013 ◽  
Vol 1544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Sommariva ◽  
Harald van Weeren ◽  
Olga Narygina ◽  
Jan-André Gertenbach ◽  
Christian Resch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Reaction Chamber ◽  
Hydrogen Gas ◽  
Gas Pressure ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Structural Modifications ◽  
Model Studies

ABSTRACTThe sorption processes for hydrogen and carbon dioxide are of considerable, and growing interest, particularly due to their relevance to a society that seeks to replace fossil fuels with a more sustainable energy source. X-ray diffraction allows a unique perspective for studying structural modifications and reaction mechanisms that occur when gas and solid interact. The fundamental challenge associated with such a study is that experiments are conducted while the solid sample is held under a gas pressure. To date in-situ high gas pressure studies of this nature have typically been undertaken at large-scale facilities such as synchrotrons or on dedicated laboratory instruments. Here we report high-pressure XRD studies carried out on a multi-purpose diffractometer. To demonstrate the suitability of the equipment, two model studies were carried out, firstly the reversible hydrogen cycling over LaNi5, and secondly the structural change that occurs during the decomposition of ammonia borane that results in the generation of hydrogen gas in the reaction chamber. The results have been finally compared to the literature. The study has been made possible by the combination of rapid X-ray detectors with a reaction chamber capable of withstanding gas pressures up to 100 bar and temperatures up to 900 °C.

scholarly journals Recent Progress in the Development of Aromatic Polymer-Based Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Rafidah R. S. ◽  
Rashmi W. ◽  
Khalid M. ◽  
Wong W. Y. ◽  
Priyanka J.
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Conductivity ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Proton Exchange Membranes ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Polymer Chains ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Aryl Ether

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) play a pivotal role in fuel cells; conducting protons from the anode to the cathode within the cell’s membrane electrode assembles (MEA) separates the reactant fuels and prevents electrons from passing through. High proton conductivity is the most important characteristic of the PEM, as this contributes to the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell. However, it is also important to take into account the membrane’s durability to ensure that it canmaintain itsperformance under the actual fuel cell’s operating conditions and serve a long lifetime. The current state-of-the-art Nafion membranes are limited due to their high cost, loss of conductivity at elevated temperatures due to dehydration, and fuel crossover. Alternatives to Nafion have become a well-researched topic in recent years. Aromatic-based membranes where the polymer chains are linked together by aromatic rings, alongside varying numbers of ether, ketone, or sulfone functionalities, imide, or benzimidazoles in their structures, are one of the alternatives that show great potential as PEMs due totheir electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal strengths. Membranes based on these polymers, such as poly(aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs) and polyimides (PIs), however, lack a sufficient level of proton conductivity and durability to be practical for use in fuel cells. Therefore, membrane modifications are necessary to overcome their drawbacks. This paper reviews the challenges associated with different types of aromatic-based PEMs, plus the recent approaches that have been adopted to enhance their properties and performance.

Semi-Quantitative Reliability-Based Ranking Method for Assessment of Pipeline Dents With Stress Risers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Langer ◽  
Sherif Hassanien ◽  
Janine Woo
Keyword(s):  
Complex Geometry ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Pipeline System ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Base Level ◽  
Stress Risers ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Detailed Assessment

Current regulations for prediction and management of potential delayed failures from existing pipeline dents rely primarily on depth and conservative assumptions related to threat interactions, which have shown limited correlation with industry failures. Such miscorrelation can lead to challenges in managing effectiveness and efficiency of pipeline integrity programs. Leading integrity techniques that entail detailed assessment of complex dent features rely on the use of finite element analysis, which tends to be inefficient for managing large pipeline systems due to prohibitively complex modeling and analysis procedures. While efforts are underway to improve dent assessment models across the industry, these often require significant detailed information that might not be available to operators; moreover, they suffer scattered model error which makes them susceptible to unclear levels of conservatism (or non-conservatism). Nevertheless, most techniques/models are deterministic in nature and neglect the effect of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. Operators typically utilize conservative assumptions based on subject matter experts’ opinions when planning mitigation programs in order to account for different types of uncertainties associated with the problem. This leads to inefficient dig programs (associated with significant costs) while potentially leaving dents on the pipeline which cannot be quantitatively risk assessed using current approaches. To address these concerns, the problem calls for a dent assessment framework that balances accuracy with the ability to assess dent and threat integration features at a system-wide level with available information in a practical timeframe that aligns with other integrity programs. This paper expands upon the authors’ previously published work regarding a fully quantitative reliability-based methodology for the assessment of dents interacting with stress risers. The proposed semi-quantitative reliability model leverages a strain-based limit state for plain dents (including uncertainty) with semi-quantitative factors used to account for complex geometry, stress riser interactions, and operating conditions. These factors are calibrated to reliability results from more detailed analysis and/or field findings in order to provide a simple, conservative, analytical-based ranking tool which can be used to identify features that may require more detailed assessment prior to mitigation. Initial validation results are provided alongside areas for continued development. The proposed model provides sufficient flexibility to allow it to be tailored/calibrated to reflect specific operator’s experience. The model allows for a consistent analysis of all types of dent features in a pipeline system in a short period of time to support prioritization of features while providing a base-level likelihood assessment to support calculation of risk. This novel development supports a dent management framework which includes multiple levels of analysis, using both deterministic and probabilistic techniques, to manage the threat of dents associated with stress risers across a pipeline system.

Model-Based Calibration of a Biogas Engine Control System

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Flory ◽  
Joel Hiltner ◽  
Clay Hardenburger
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Crank Angle ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Exhaust Gas Emission

Pipeline natural gas composition is monitored and controlled in order to deliver high quality, relatively consistent gas quality in terms of heating value and detonation characteristics to end users. The consistency of this fuel means gas-fired engines designed for electrical power generation (EPG) applications can be highly optimized. As new sources of high quality natural gas are found, the demand for these engines is growing. At the same time there is also an increasing need for EPG engines that can handle fuels that have wide swings in composition over a relatively short period of time. The application presented in this paper is an engine paired with an anaerobic digester that accepts an unpredictable and varying feedstock. As is typical in biogas applications, there are exhaust stream contaminants that preclude the use of an oxygen or NOx sensor for emissions feedback control. The difficulty with such a scenario is the ability to hold a given exhaust gas emission level as the fuel composition varies. One challenge is the design of the combustion system hardware. This design effort includes the proper selection of compression ratio, valve events, ignition timing, turbomachinery, etc. Often times simulation tools, such as a crank-angle resolved engine model, are used in the development of such systems in order to predict performance and reduce development time and hardware testing. The second challenge is the control system and how to implement a robust control capable of optimizing engine performance while maintaining emissions compliance. Currently there are limited options for an OEM control system capable of dealing with fuels that have wide swings in composition. Often times the solution for the engine packager is to adopt an aftermarket control system and apply this in place of the control system delivered on the engine. The disadvantage to this approach is that the aftermarket controller is not calibrated and so the packager is faced with the task of developing an entire engine calibration at a customer site. The controller must function well enough that it will run reliably during plant start-up and then eventually prove capable of holding emissions under typical operating conditions. This paper will describe the novel use of a crank-angle resolved four-stroke engine cycle model to develop an initial set of calibration values for an aftermarket control system. The paper will describe the plant operation, implementation of the aftermarket controller, the model-based calibration methodology and the commissioning of the engine.

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