Modeling and experimental validation of a unitized regenerative fuel cell in electrolysis mode of operation

Abstract

Unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) is considered to be the compact solution to generate and utilize hydrogen. It possesses combined capabilities of operating in fuel cell and electrolyser modes. In the present study, the performance of a URFC in electrolyser mode is modelled and also experimentally validated. The performances are being modelled using a combination of structural and CFD analysis tool. The effect of the operating gas pressure arising from the variation in the contact pressure between GDL and BPP on the performances are studied. The clamping pressure, as well as the operating pressure of the electrolyser, are seen to have a high impact on the contact resistance and thereby the performance as well. It is observed that the simulated polarization behavior is in good agreement with the experimental results. To restrict the area specific resistance below 150 mΩ cm 2 the operating pressure should be maintained below 5.9 bar at clamping pressure of 1.5 MPa.

Experimental investigation on voltage response to operation parameters of a unitized regenerative fuel cell during mode switching from fuel cell to electrolysis cell

“…They designed the serpentine flow fields, parallel flow field and mixed flow field to settle the water management and enhance the URFC performance. Bhosale et al investigated the influence of operating pressure on the URFC performance. So far, the research of URFC has made significant progress in different aspects.…”

Modelling and Controlling of ion transport rate efficiency in Proton exchange membrane (PEMFC), alkaline (AFC), direct methanol (DMFC), phosphoric acid (PAFC), direct forming acid(DFAFC) and direct carbon (DCFC) fuel cells

“…Controlling the water contents of the protons exchange membranes between the ideal state and the saturated state at any time can strongly improve the optimal output power densities of an irreversible PEMFC [79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86].…”

Heat and mass transfer in a unitized regenerative fuel cell during mode switching

“…[7][8][9][10] In addition, numerical models were developed to explore the effect factors of the cell performance in either FC or EC mode. [11][12][13] Actually, the influence of the mode switching on cell performance cannot be ignored. Experimental results certified that cell performance declines after a cycle of mode switching.…”

“…To improve the electric performance of the cell in both FC and EC modes, more researchers are focusing on optimizing bifunctional electrocatalysts and corrosion resistance of the electrode materials . In addition, numerical models were developed to explore the effect factors of the cell performance in either FC or EC mode . Actually, the influence of the mode switching on cell performance cannot be ignored.…”