Nature-inspired hierarchically structured high-efficiency PEM fuel cell
Loading...
Authors
Marquis, Jeffrey A.
Issue Date
2013-12
Type
Electronic thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Language
ENG
Keywords
Chemical and biological engineering
Alternative Title
Abstract
We demonstrate an optimized fractal gas distributor structure for the cathode of a PEM fuel cell by constructing and characterizing a nature-inspired fuel cell based on mechanistic, hypothesis-driven optimization principles guided by fractal geometry. In addition, a robust model including detailed electrochemical kinetics is introduced which describes multiple transport and reaction phenomena that occur within the electrocatalytic layer(s). Subsequent optimizations of the cathode electrocatalytic layer with respect to two distinct objective functions, maximizing platinum utilization (PU kW/gPt) and maximizing power density (PD W/cm2) are reported. Results suggest an order-of magnitude improvement in platinum utilization is within reach.
Description
December 2013
School of Engineering
School of Engineering
Full Citation
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY