LABORATORY PRACTICAL EXERCISES

1.Practical exercise 1: Study of the main operation principles of a PEM fuel cell

1.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to understand and control both the operation of the unit and the operation basics of a PEM type fuel cell.

1.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

1.3Experimental development

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in the annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.

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  1. Connect the interface .
  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.
  1. Only if the unit is computerized (EC5C), observe how the AVS-1 valve is open and enables the hydrogen inlet (blue valve).
  1. Observe the graph of the fan that indicates the % of air supplied (only with the EC5C).
  1. Observe that the purge valve is normally closed (red valve). The purge valve (blue valve) opens for half a second both at its start and later every three seconds to expel the remaining hydrogen and water vapor (only with the EC5C).
  1. Check that soon after the introduction of hydrogen into the stack, electric energy starts to be generated. The current (SW1-A), the voltage (SW1-V) and the generated electric power can be measured (SW-1).

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2 Practical exercise 2: Calculation of the efficiency of a PEM fuel cell

2.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to calculate the efficiency of a PEM

type fuel cell.

2.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

2.3 Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in the annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .
  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as

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possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.

  1. If the unit is not computerized (EC5B) follow the same steps: open the hydride cartridge, then switch on the fuel cell switch on the console and set the unit’s regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the manometer is 0.4-0.5 bar.
  1. Only if the unit is computerized (EC5C), observe how the AVS-1 valve is open and enables the hydrogen inlet (blue valve).
  1. Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.
  1. Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

10. Wait 5 min. and set a current with the rheostat (load module).

11. Write down the obtained electric power (SW-1).

2.4 Tables and results

To calculate the efficiency of a PEM type fuel cell, the Lower Heating Value of the theoretical hydrogen described in the bibliography must be taken into account:

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Kg./h of H2 / Nm3/h of H2 gas / Power (kW)
1 / 11,12 / 33,33
0,0899 / 1 / 3,00
0,0708 / 0,788 / 2,359

Table 1: LHV of the theoretical hydrogen

1. Write down the obtained results in the following table:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Current (A) / Power (kW)

Table 2: Results obtained in the practical exercise 2

2. Calculate the theoretical electric power according to the used hydrogen flow:

KW= Theoretical / Nm3/h of H2 3kW
1 Nm3/h of H2 gas

3. Calculate the actual efficiency of the PEM fuel cell with the following relation:

ACTUAL power

Efficiency=THEORETICAL power 100%

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Nm3/h of H2 gas / Current (A) / Power (kW) / Efficiency (%)

Table 3: Results obtained in the practical exercise 2

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3.Practical exercise 3: Influence of the hydrogen consumption in the efficiency of a PEM type fuel cell

3.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to study the influence of the hydrogen consumption in the efficiency of a PEM type fuel cell by using different hydrogen inlet flows.

3.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C .unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

3.3Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .

1

  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.
  1. Only if the unit is computerized (EC5C), observe how the AVS-1 valve is open and enables the hydrogen inlet (blue valve).
  1. Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.
  1. Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

10. Wait for 5 min. and set a current with the rheostat (load module).

11. Write down the obtained electric power (SW-1).

12. Repeat the process with several Hydrogen different flows, but the same current set with the rheostat. Write down the obtained results.

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3.4 Tables and results

To calculate the efficiency of a PEM type fuel cell, the Lower Heating Value of the theoretical hydrogen described in the bibliography must be taken into account:

Kg./h of H2 / Nm3/h of H2 gas / Power (kW)
1 / 11,12 / 33,33
0,0899 / 1 / 3,00
0,0708 / 0,788 / 2,359

Table 4: LHV of the theoretical hydrogen

1. Write down the obtained results in the following table:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Current (A) / Power (kW)

Table 4: Results obtained in the practical exercise 3

2. Calculate the theoretical electric power according to the used hydrogen flow

KW= Theoretical / Nm3/h of H2 3kW
1 Nm3/h of H2 gas

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3. Calculate the actual efficiency of the PEM fuel cell with the following relation:

ACTUALpower

Efficiency=THEORETICALpower 100%

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Current (A) / Power (kW) / Efficiency (%)

Table 5: Results obtained in the practical exercise 3

4. Compare the results obtained representing in a graph the used hydrogen flow

depending on the obtained efficiency.

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4 Practical exercise 4: Study of the current density of a PEM fuel cell

4.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to study the current density of a PEM type fuel cell, taking into account the membrane area.

4.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C .unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

4.3Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .
  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as

1

possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.

  1. Only if the unit is computerized (EC5C), observe how the AVS-1 valve is open and enables the hydrogen inlet (blue valve).
  1. Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.
  1. Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

10. Wait 5 min. and write down the obtained current (SW1- A).

11. Repeat the process with several Hydrogen different flows. Write down the obtained results.

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4.4 Tables and results

As it is indicated in the theory, it is quite normal to use the term Current Density instead of current in the Fuel Cells design:

Where:

i:Current density (A / cm2)

  1. Write down the obtained results in the following table:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Obtained current (A)

Table 6: Results obtained in the practical exercise 4

2. Taking into account the membrane area of each cell, calculate the current density of the stack.

Dimensions of the membrane / 90mm x 45mm
i= / I ( A)
A (cm 2)
Cell
Nm3/h of H2 gas / Obtained current / Current density, i
(A) / (A/cm2)

Table 7: Results obtained in the practical exercise 4

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5.Practical exercise 5: Representation of the polarization curve of a PEM fuel cell

5.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to analyze the representation of the actual polarization curve of a PEM type fuel cell.

5.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

5.3Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .

1

5.Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.

6.Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.

7.Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

8.Wait 5 min. and set a current with the rheostat (load module). Write it down.

9.Write down the obtained voltage that corresponds to that current (SW1-V).

10.Repeat the process setting several currents with the rheostat. Write down the obtained results. It is recommended to cover the whole current range 0-7 A, preferably from more load to less load (that is to say, from 0A to 7A) to observe the results in a better way.

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5.4Tables and results

  1. Write down the obtained results in the following table:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Set current (A) / Current density / Obtained voltage
(A/cm2) / (V)

Table 8: Results obtained in the practical exercise 5

2. Represent the polarization curve: Voltage

Vs current density

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Voltage (V)

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0 0,5 11,522,533,5

Current density (A/cm2)

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6.Practical exercise 6: Determination of the voltage and current density characteristics of a PEM

6.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to determine and plot the voltage and current density characteristic curves of a PEM type fuel cell.

.6.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

7.4.6.3Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in annexes I and II.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .

1

  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.
  1. Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.
  1. Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

10. Wait for 5 min. and set a current with the rheostat (load module). Write it down.

11. Write down the obtained voltage that corresponds to that current (SW1-V) and the obtained power (SW-1).

12. Repeat the process setting several currents with the rheostat. Write down the obtained results. It is recommended to cover the whole current range 0-7 A, preferably from more load to less load (that is to say, from 0A to 7A) to observe the results in a better way.

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6.4Tables and results

  1. Write down the results in the following table:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Set current (A) / Obtained voltage / Obtained power
(V) / (W)

Table 9: Results obtained in the practical exercise 6

2. Represent the characteristic operation curves:

-Voltage depending on current

-Power depending on current

1

Voltaje (V)

20

Potencia (W)

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

00,511,522,53

Corriente (A)

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

00,511,522,53

Corriente (A)

1

Current (A) / Current (A)

3. Compare the obtained curves with the theoretical curves included in

annex III.

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7. Practical exercise 7: Study of the hydrogen consumption influence in the electric power generation

7.1 Objectives

The aim of this practical exercise is to study and analyze the influence of the hydrogen consumption in the electric power generation, by using different hydrogen inlet flows.

7.2 Required elements

To carry out this exercise we need:

-EC5C unit.

-Cylinder of compressed gaseous hydrogen of degree 4.0 (purity of the 99,99%) at a pressure of 150-200 bar.

7.3Experimental procedure

  1. Please, read the section number 1 (main instructions, warnings and precautions) before starting the exercise.
  1. Check that the metal hydride cartridge contains enough hydrogen. In case you need to refill it, follow the instructions indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the hydride cartridge to the fuel cell inlet by means of the Hysuplyconection Kit, as it is indicated in annex I.
  1. Connect the interface .

1

  1. Open the hydride cartridge slowly anti-clockwise. Then, as quickly as possible, run the EC5C control software, press start and set the EC5C unit regulator to 0.6 bar approximately, so the inlet pressure to the stack read through the SP-1 with the software is 0.4-0.5 bar.
  1. Wait 5 minutes until the system is stable.
  1. Set an average flow (flow peak values when the purge valve opens are necessary and should not be taken into account) with the needle valve of the flow meter and write it down.

10. Wait 5 min. and set a current with the rheostat (load module).

11. Write down the obtained electric power (SW-1).

12. Repeat the process with several different Hydrogen flows but with the same current set with the rheostat. Write down the obtained results.

1

7.4 Tables and results

1. Write down the results:

Nm3/h of H2 gas / Set current (A) / Power (kW)

Table 10: Results obtained in the practical exercise 7

  1. Compare the obtained results representing a graph the used hydrogen flow in function of the obtained power.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1Practical exercise 1: Study of the main operation principles of a PEM fuel cell 1

2Practical exercise 2: Calculation of the efficiency of a PEM fuel cell...3

3Practical exercise 3: Influence of the hydrogen consumption in the efficiency of a PEM type fuel cell .. 7

4Practical exercise 4: Study of the current density of a PEM fuel cell...11

5Practical exercise 5: Representation of the polarization curve of a PEM fuel cell 15

6Practical exercise 6: Determination of the voltage and current density characteristics of a PEM 18

7Practical exercise 7: Study of the hydrogen consumption influence in the electric power generation 22

Alal-bayt University

Faculty of Engineering

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering Department

LABORATORY MANUAL

Fuel cell and Hydrogen Lab.

Eng.NidaaQarqaz

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