Low-Cost High Performance Regenerative Fuel Cells (RFCs) for Fossil-Integrated Hydrogen Energy Storage
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03 NATURAL GAS↗
Engineering topics
Colella, Whitney
Publications and source records attributed to Colella, Whitney.
Development of Innovative Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Final Technical Report
This phase 1 program accomplished its primary goal of reducing the mass transport resistance (MTR) within the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The improvement in MTR was achieved by (1) the reduction of carbonaceous binder content, (2) reduced penetration of the microporous layer (MPL) into the substrate, and (3) a controlled size and frequency of micro-cracks within the MPL. Of these factors, (1) the amount of carbonaceous binder within the GDL substrate showed the greatest potential for a reduction of MTR and should be the focus for future development, preferably in concert with a commercial partner to ensure the material can meet the market requirements.
microporous layer (MPL)↗
Multi-Scale Ordered Cell Structure for Cost Effective Production of Hydrogen by HTWS
Production of hydrogen using an electrochemical device provides for large scale, high efficiency conversion and storage of electrical energy. When renewable electricity is used for conversion of steam to hydrogen, a low-cost and low emissions pathway to hydrogen production emerges. This project was intended to demonstrate a high efficiency High Temperature Water Splitting (HTWS) stack for the electrochemical production of low cost H2. The innovations investigated address the limitations of the state of the art through the use of a novel architecture that introduces macro-features to provide mechanical support of a thin electrolyte, and micro-features of the electrodes to lower polarization losses. The approach also utilizes a combination of unique sets of fabrication options that are scalable to achieve manufacturing cost objectives. The development of HTWS process and device is guided by techno-economic and life cycle analyses.
08 HYDROGEN↗
A Total Cost of Ownership Model for Low Temperature PEM Fuel Cells in Combined Heat and Power and Backup Power Applications
A total cost of ownership model is described for low temperature proton exchange membrane stationary fuel cell systems for combined heat and power (CHP) applications from 1-250kW and backup power applications from 1-50kW. System designs and functional specifications for these two applications were developed across the range of system power levels. Bottom-up cost estimates were made for balance of plant costs, and detailed direct cost estimates for key fuel cell stack components were derived using design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly techniques. The development of high throughput, automated processes achieving high yield are projected to reduce the cost for fuel cell stacks to the $300/kW level at an annual production volume of 100 MW. Several promising combinations of building types and geographical location in the U.S. were identified for installation of fuel cell CHP systems based on the LBNL modelling tool DER CAM. Life-cycle modelling and externality assessment were done for hotels and hospitals. Reduced electricity demand charges, heating credits and carbon credits can reduce the effective cost of electricity ($/kWhe) by 26-44percent in locations such as Minneapolis, where high carbon intensity electricity from the grid is displaces by a fuel cell system operating on reformate fuel. This project extends the scope of existing cost studies to include externalities and ancillary financial benefits and thus provides a more comprehensive picture of fuel cell system benefits, consistent with a policy and incentive environment that increasingly values these ancillary benefits. The project provides a critical, new modelling capacity and should aid a broad range of policy makers in assessing the integrated costs and benefits of fuel cell systems versus other distributed generation technologies.
08 HYDROGEN↗
PEM Electrolysis H2A Production Case Study Documentation
This report documents the development of four DOE Hydrogen Analysis (H2A) case studies for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis. The four cases characterize PEM electrolyzer technology for two hydrogen production plant sizes (Forecourt and Central) and for two technology development time horizons (Current and Future).
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗