1 FUEL CELL AND FUEL TYPES

There are many types of fuel cells being researched, the main types of
Fuel cells are classified based on the type of electrolyte they use which
determines the type of chemical reaction taking place in the fuel, the type
of catalyst and the temperature range in which the fuel cell can be
applied. The 7 main types are Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel
Cells, Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Alkaline Fuel Cells, Phosphoric Acid Fuel
Cells, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Regenerative
Fuel Cells.
For this design, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)
will be used. These are essentially electrochemical cells that use pure
hydrogen fuel where the hydrogen is oxidized at the anode while the
oxygen is reduced at the cathode. During this process, the generated
protons are conducted through the proton exchange membrane. The
reason for choosing this fuel cell in comparison to the other types is due to
its high-power while offering low weight and volume, it operates at low
temperature which can allow for easy start-up.

1.1

Fuel cell materials

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells consists of two electrodes

(anode and cathode usually platinum electrodes) separated by a thin
permeable polymer and both are supported by an anode and cathode gas
diffusion layer respectively.
ELECTROLYTE: An electrolyte is an ion-exchange material that promotes
proton conductivity while preventing the transfer of electrons. The
standard material for electrolytes used in PEMFCs is fluorinated Teflonbased material (perfluorosulfonic acid [PFSA]). This is what is used in this
design and the material is selected based on high protonic conductivity
and strength and stability in oxidative and reductive environments.
ELECTRODE: This is another critical component in a fuel cell. The fuel
cell electrode is a thin, catalyst layer where electrochemical reactions take
place. The electrodes are usually made of a porous mixture of carbonsupported platinum and ionomer. The electrode used in this design is a
platinum electrode. This due to its high mechanical strength , high
electrical conductivity, low corrosion, high porosity, and high catalytic
activity
BIPOLAR PLATES: Bipolar plates distribute fuel and oxidant within the
cell, separate the individual cells in the stack, collect the current, carry
water away from each cell, humidify gases, and keep the cells cool. The
material used in this design project is a graphite carbon. This is because it
is highly conductive and resistant to corrosion.

GAS DIFFUSION LAYER: The gas diffusion layer for this design is made
with carbon paper. The gas diffusion layer ideally ensures that reactants
diffuse properly in the catalysts layer and also helps in water management.

1.2 Fuel type

Compressed pure hydrogen is considered as the fuel here. It can also be
transported and stored as safely as any other fuel.