Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bifeng Yin, Zekai Li, Fei Dong, Sheng Xu, Huaisheng Ni
Summary: The traditional ejector is not efficient in operating the PEMFC system across various operating points. A novel dual-nozzle ejector is proposed for optimal hydrogen recirculation at different power. The nozzle structure is optimized and the computational fluid dynamics method is used to simulate and verify the results.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ahmed Mohmed Dafalla, Lin Wei, Zihao Liao, Jian Guo, Fangming Jiang
Summary: This study develops a model to investigate the influence of adding blockages in the cathode gas channels on the cold start performance of PEMFC. The simulation results show that the addition of blockages helps to mitigate the oxygen transport limitation, resulting in better cold start performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chao Peng, Hailin Gu, Guangxue Zhang, Kun Luo, Peng Xu, Song Lv, Qiyao Zhang, Guobiao Chen
Summary: A novel cooling channel with dimple structures is designed and a three-dimensional PEMFC numerical model is established in this paper. Comparing to the conventional channels, the dimpled channel exhibits a 10% higher heat transfer performance and almost 13% lower pressure loss. The optimization of dimple structure parameters based on uniformity temperature index and heat transfer evaluation criteria is carried out, and it is recommended to use a diameter-to-depth ratio of 4 when the dimple diameter is less than 0.80 mm. The clock-wise vortex observed inside the dimple is considered as the main factor affecting heat exchange. This study will contribute to the design of cooling channels for high-power density PEMFCs in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kehua Lin, Chengxiang Wang, Zhiming Qiu, Yurong Yan
Summary: A novel polymer membrane with a high acid uptake, conductivity, strength, and stability was developed by introducing a pyridobisimidazole unit into the backbone, meeting the requirements for Proton Exchange Membrane applications. The new membrane demonstrated excellent oxidative stability, high thermal stability, and mechanical stability, making it a promising candidate for PEM fuel cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiangnan Song, Ying Huang, Jing Zeng, Lunjun Chen, Yanli Wu
Summary: In order to improve the cooling performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, four new types of cooling plate flow field distribution were designed, and the temperature and pressure drop under different working conditions were analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that the multi-channel design can effectively enhance the heat transfer effect and reduce the pressure drop of the cooling plate, and the local serpentine channel design can make the temperature distribution more uniform and avoid local overheating.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
N. Saniei, N. Ghasemi, A. A. Zinatizadeh, S. Zinadini, M. Ramezani, A. A. Derakhshan
Summary: Hydrophilic nanoparticles of goethite and its derivatives were used to prepare proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The performance of the fabricated PEMs was significantly improved in terms of power density, current density, coulombic efficiency, and COD removal compared to the bare membrane. The best result was obtained with a SPEEK nanocomposite membrane containing 0.5% wt goethite.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Nur Ain Masleeza Harun, Norazuwana Shaari, Nik Farah Hanis Nik Zaiman
Summary: SPEEK is recognized as a promising alternative PEM in fuel cell applications due to its advantageous properties, but its proton conductivity is influenced by the degree of sulfonation. While high DS of SPEEK can produce high proton conductivity, excessive production of DS may have side effects on membrane stability. Therefore, finding the optimal DS of SPEEK is crucial for fabricating PEM alternatives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. Aminudin, S. K. Kamarudin, B. H. Lim, E. H. Majilan, M. S. Masdar, N. Shaari
Summary: Due to the harmful consequences of pollutants emitted by conventional fuel cars, vehicle manufacturers are shifting towards alternative energy sources. Fuel cells (FCs) are considered as highly efficient and non-polluting power sources capable of delivering greater energy densities and efficiency than conventional technologies. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are promising in transportation sectors due to their ability to start at cold temperatures and minimal emissions. This article discusses the pros and cons of the technology, various fuel cell types, their applications, and recent issues associated with fuel cell technology in the automobile sector.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Asif Jamil, Sikander Rafiq, Tanveer Iqbal, Hafiza Aroosa Aslam Khan, Haris Mahmood Khan, Babar Azeem, M. Z. Mustafa, Abdulkader S. Hanbazazah
Summary: Fuel cells are environmentally friendly technology with high efficiency and economic advantages. Proton exchange membranes, especially for hydrogen fuel cells, have great potential but face challenges in terms of cost and degradation of proton exchange capacity over time.
Article
Thermodynamics
Nan Li, Wanteng Wang, Ruiyang Xu, Jinhui Zhang, Hongpeng Xu
Summary: This study proposed a bionic flow channel based on the internal structure of the nautilus, which showed better performance in reactant uniformity, water removal, concentration polarisation loss, and power compared to traditional serpentine and honeycomb-like flow channels in PEMFCs, especially at the cathode.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shikun Zhou, Gongnan Xie, Haibao Hu, Meng Ni
Summary: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are clean and efficient power sources. The proposed new gas diffusion layer (GDL) with non-uniform distribution of PTFE effectively removes water from the catalyst layer (CL), improving fuel cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sahng Hyuck Woo, Nak Jun Lee, Seung Ho Yook, Hee Soo Kim, Jieun Choi, Jae-Hun Kim, So Young Lee, Jong Hyun Jang, Sung Jong Yoo, Young-Gi Yoon, Jonghee Han, Hyoung-Juhn Kim
Summary: This research used an imaging technique to find new reasons for the reduced performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). H+ and OH- indicator sensors were attached to each electrode of a membrane electrode assembly and quantitative analysis of ion generation was conducted using digital microscopes. The proposed reactions in the fuel cell were confirmed and various reactions occurring in the electrode were examined.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Hao Hu, Xiaoming Xu, Nan Mei, Chen Li
Summary: The flow field plate in the fuel cell plays a crucial role in changing the flow state of reactant gas. This paper utilizes computational fluid dynamics to study the impact of waveform channels on internal parameters, and finds that the waveform can improve the distribution of liquid water but has limitations in increasing average current density.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN PHYSICS B
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luka Mihanovic, Zeljko Penga, Lei Xing, Viktor Hacker
Summary: This study compares various flow field configurations to optimize the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The porous and baffled flow field designs are found to be most effective in minimizing mass transport losses and enhancing water removal. Additionally, the study reveals the significant impact of small geometry modifications on heat and mass transfer in the fuel cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Heesoo Choi, Jaeyeon Kim, Obeen Kwon, Hongnyoung Yoo, Hyeok Kim, Hyeonjin Cha, Taehyun Park
Summary: In this study, water removal in a transparent fuel cell and its relationship with voltage and impedance responses are analyzed. It is found that the frequency of water flow is positively correlated with voltage, suggesting that frequent flooding-induced water removal could enhance fuel cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hadi Heidary, Mohammad Jafar Kermani, Bahram Dabir
Article
Thermodynamics
A. Ghanbarian, M. J. Kermani, J. Scholta, M. Abdollahzadeh
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2018)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Hasheminasab, M. J. Kermani, S. S. Nourazar, M. H. Khodsiani
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hossein Mehnatkesh, Aria Alasty, Mehrdad Boroushaki, Mohammad Hassan Khodsiani, Mohammad Reza Hasheminasab, Mohammad Jafar Kermani
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Hamed Gholipour, Mohammad J. Kermani, Rahim Zamanian
Summary: A pore network model is developed for gas diffusion layer in the cathode side of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, capturing the non-uniform water saturation distributions inside GDL and predicting the time evolution of oxygen concentration and water generation rate at catalyst layer. The local water blockages inflict an average of 38.8% loss on the produced limiting current of the fuel cell, with concentration overvoltages most pronounced in the under-rib region.
ACTA MECHANICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. Moein-Jahromi, M. J. Kermani
Summary: This study introduces an innovative method to predict the performance degradation of PEM fuel cells under dynamic loads, utilizing a combination of computational fluid dynamics simulation and degradation model. Through multi-objective optimization, the cell power loss is minimized and initial cell power density is maximized, resulting in a significant enhancement in power density after load cycling.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ali Madadi, Mahdi Nili-Ahmadabadi, Mohammad Jafar Kermani
Summary: The study introduces an inverse design method called the ball spine algorithm for designing S-duct diffusers with special cross-sectional profiles, utilizing two types of special cross-section profiles to improve aerodynamic properties.
INVERSE PROBLEMS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hadi Heidary, M. J. Kermani, Ajay K. Prasad, Suresh G. Advani
Summary: The study investigates the effects of channel blockages on the performance of fuel cells by analyzing numerical and experimental data. The results show that channel blockages can increase the limiting current density and net power output of the cell.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. J. Kermani, M. Moein-Jahromi, M. R. Hasheminasab, L. Wei, J. Guo, F. M. Jiang
Summary: This study proposes using functionally graded porous material (FGPM) or variable-porosity metal-foam (VPMF) flow distributors to enhance the volumetric power density (VPD) of fuel cells. Comparative studies show that fuel cells with FGPM flow distributors provide over 80% enhancements in VPD compared to conventional setups. This research opens a new era in flow distributor design for fuel cells and provides important guidelines for manufacturing FGPM flow distributors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
A. Hamrang, M. Abdollahzadeh, M. J. Kermani, S. M. Rahgoshay
Summary: This paper investigates the performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells by changing the outlet/inlet configuration of parallel-serpentine flow field. The results show that geometric changes in the channel outlets/inlets can amplify the effects of transverse over-rib convection, leading to improved oxygen concentration and liquid water saturation. The findings suggest that the serpentine-baffled configuration yields the highest net power, achieving a performance increase of 38.5% compared to the parallel-serpentine case. This study provides insights for optimizing fuel cell design and performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
M. J. Kermani, M. Moein-Jahromi, M. R. Hasheminasab, F. Ebrahimi, L. Wei, J. Guo, F. M. Jiang
Summary: This study applies a recently developed functionally graded porous material (FGPM) model to foam-based flow-distributors (FFDs) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM FCs). The results show a significant enhancement in the volumetric power density (VPD) of the FGPM-FFD cell compared to a conventional ribbed/channel parallel-serpentine (4-PS) structure. This enhancement is attributed to reductions in cell volume and increases in generated electrical power.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bahar Amani, Mohammad Jafar Kermani, Fereidoun Sabetghadam
Summary: The use of indented flow channels can enhance the performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, especially when there is high mass diffusion resistance, operating pressures, and current densities. The study found that the binary mass diffusivity coefficient of the species plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of indented channels in improving cell performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ali Khanafari, Aria Alasty, Mohammad Jafar Kermani, Saeed Asghari
Summary: This study proposes an algorithm for diagnosing moisture content issues in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The algorithm compares experimental and model outputs to determine flooding, dehydration, or normal status, and can diagnose over 50% of PEMFC faults in commercial applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abbas Moradi Bilondi, Fatemeh Bagherighajari, Mohammadmahdi Abdollahzadehsangroudi, Mohammad Jafar Kermani, Jose Carlos Pascoa
Summary: In this study, a computational fluid dynamic method is used to investigate the effects of using porous carbon inserts on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The results show that the use of porous carbon inserts can significantly improve the performance of fuel cells, with increased energy conversion efficiency and higher power output.
Article
Thermodynamics
H. Gholipour, M. J. Kermani, R. Zamanian
Summary: The pore network model (PNM) is used to simulate water transport within the cathode side gas diffusion layer (GDL) of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The study reveals that GDL thickness and current collector rib width have significant effects on water transport dynamics.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED FLUID MECHANICS
(2021)