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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A5: Hydrogen Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 21003

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Dr. Orazio Barbera

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Italian National Research Council (CNR), Department of Engineering, ICT and Technology for Energy and Transport (DIITET), Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies (ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy
Interests: low temperature fuel cell stack and batteries; design methodologies; testing protocols and numerical simulations; system integration
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Dear Colleagues,

The Earth’s climate has changed throughout history. Seven cycles of glaciation have taken place in the last 650,000 years, but the current warming trend is of particular significance because it is extremely likely to be the result of using of fossil fuels since the mid-20th century.

In this context, near zero-emission systems based on fuel cell are a potential key factor for the green energy transition.

Therefore, accurate methodologies for fuel cell systems design are becoming increasingly important. Modeling is fundamental for fuel cell and hybrid power system design, where fuel cell is coupled with different power generation devices.

This Special Issue aims to gather research advances in the modeling of fuel-cell-based and hybrid power systems (PV/fuel cell, wind/fuel cell, battery/fuel, and so on). It focuses on the methodologies for mathematical modeling of fuel cell and hybrid systems, by illustrating different approaches to fuel cell technology (PEFC; SOFC, DMFC), system architecture, hybridization level, application (i.e., automotive, stationary, cogeneration, portable), and power management.

The issue will contribute to enrich the background in the field of fuel cell system engineering research, and I am honored to invite you to submit your original work to this Special Issue.

I look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Orazio Barbera
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

fuel cell power system modeling
hybrid power system modeling
power system
PEFC, SOFC, DMFC
automotive
portable
cogeneration
smart grid
smart cities
mathematical model

Related Special Issue

Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling, Volume II in Energies (1 article)

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical 3D Model of a Novel Photoelectrolysis Tandem Cell with Solid Electrolyte for Green Hydrogen Production

by Giosuè Giacoppo, Stefano Trocino, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Vincenzo Baglio, María I. Díez-García, Antonino Salvatore Aricò and Orazio Barbera

Energies 2023, 16(4), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041953 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1512

Abstract

The only strategy for reducing fossil fuel-based energy sources is to increase the use of sustainable ones. Among renewable energy sources, solar energy can significantly contribute to a sustainable energy future, but its discontinuous nature requires a large storage capacity. Due to its ability to be produced from primary energy sources and transformed, without greenhouse gas emissions, into mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy, emitting only water as a by-product, hydrogen is an effective carrier and means of energy storage. Technologies for hydrogen production from methane, methanol, hydrocarbons, and water electrolysis using non-renewable electrical power generate CO₂. Conversely, employing photoelectrochemistry to harvest hydrogen is a sustainable technique for sunlight-direct energy storage. Research on photoelectrolysis is addressed to materials, prototypes, and simulation studies. From the latter point of view, models have mainly been implemented for aqueous-electrolyte cells, with only one semiconductor-based electrode and a metal-based counter electrode. In this study, a novel cell architecture was numerically modelled. A numerical model of a tandem cell with anode and cathode based on metal oxide semiconductors and a polymeric membrane as an electrolyte was implemented and investigated. Numerical results of 11% solar to hydrogen conversion demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed novel concept. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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21 pages, 4400 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Modelling and Performance Analysis of an Autonomous Marine Vehicle Powered by a Fuel Cell Hybrid Powertrain

by Giuseppe De Lorenzo, Francesco Piraino, Francesco Longo, Giovanni Tinè, Valeria Boscaino, Nicola Panzavecchia, Massimo Caccia and Petronilla Fragiacomo

Energies 2022, 15(19), 6926; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15196926 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1872

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation of a hydrogen-based system for an autonomous surface vehicle in an effort to reduce environmental impact and increase driving range. In a suitable computational environment, the dynamic electrical model of the entire hybrid powertrain, consisting of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, a hydrogen metal hydride storage system, a lithium battery, two brushless DC motors, and two control subsystems, is implemented. The developed calculation tool is used to perform the dynamic analysis of the hybrid propulsion system during four different operating journeys, investigating the performance achieved to examine the obtained performance, determine the feasibility of the work runs and highlight the critical points. During the trips, the engine shows fluctuating performance trends while the energy consumption reaches 1087 Wh for the fuel cell (corresponding to 71 g of hydrogen) and 370 Wh for the battery, consuming almost all the energy stored on board. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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23 pages, 1824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Fluid Model for Water and Methanol Transport in a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

by Anders Christian Olesen, Søren Knudsen Kær and Torsten Berning

Energies 2022, 15(19), 6869; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15196869 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

Direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems are comparatively simple, sometimes just requiring a fuel cartridge and a fuel cell stack with appropriate control devices. The key challenge in these systems is the accurate determination and control of the flow rates and the appropriate mixture of methanol and water, and fundamental understanding can be gained by computational fluid dynamics. In this work, a three-dimensional, steady-state, two-phase, multi-component and non-isothermal DMFC model is presented. The model is based on the Eulerian approach, and it can account for gas and liquid transport in porous media subject to mixed wettability, i.e., the simultaneous presence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic pores. Other phenomena considered are variations in surface tension due to water–methanol mixing and the capillary pressure at the gas diffusion layer–channel interface. Another important aspect of DMFC modeling is the transport of methanol and water across the membrane. In this model, non-equilibrium sorption–desorption, diffusion and electro-osmotic drag of both species are included. The DMFC model is validated against experimental measurements, and it is used to study the interaction between volume porosity of the anode gas diffusion layer and the capillary pressure boundary condition at the anode, and how it affects performance and limiting current density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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18 pages, 7237 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling of Fuel Cells Characteristics in Relation to Real Driving Conditions of FCHEV Vehicles

by Ireneusz Pielecha

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6753; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186753 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

Fuel cells are one of the zero-emission elements of modern automotive drive systems. This article presents theoretical identification of the component parameters of indicators for the fuel cell operating conditions. Activation, ohmic, and mass transport losses were identified. Current–voltage characteristics were provided along with an analysis of typical cell losses. The actual performance characteristics of fuel cells were analyzed for Toyota Mirai I and II generation vehicles. The fuel cells operating conditions were derived and analyzed in the context of real driving conditions. Therefore, urban, rural, and motorway conditions were used. The vehicles were equipped with PEM fuel cells supplying power equal to 114 kW (1st gen.) or 128 kW (2nd gen.). The average fuel cell stack power values depend on the driving conditions: urban (about 10 kW), rural (20 kW) and motorway (about 30–40 kW) driving modes. The different power ratings of fuel cells combined with different battery generations resulted in a variation in the cells operating conditions. Analyses conducted in various traffic conditions indicated the possibility of determining losses related to the fuel cells. The analysis of fuel cell losses shows the greatest values for activation losses when the cells are under high load (for both generations)—i.e., in motorway driving conditions. The voltage of resistive losses reached its maximum in urban driving conditions when the load on the fuel cells was small. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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23 pages, 5614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Modeling of a PEM Fuel Cell Power Plant for Flexibility Optimization and Grid Support

by Elena Crespi, Giulio Guandalini, German Nieto Cantero and Stefano Campanari

Energies 2022, 15(13), 4801; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134801 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

The transition toward high shares of non-programmable renewable energy sources in the power grid requires an increase in the grid flexibility to guarantee grid reliability and stability. This work, developed within the EU project Grasshopper, identifies hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) power plants, based on low temperature PEM cells, as a source of flexibility for the power grid. A dynamic numerical model of the flexible FC system is developed and tested against experimental data from a 100-kW pilot plant, built within the Grasshopper project. The model is then applied to assess the flexible performance of a 1 MW system in order to optimize the scale-up of the pilot plant to the MW-size. Simulations of load-following operation show the flexibility of the plant, which can ramp up and down with a ramp rate depending only on an externally imposed limit. Warm-up simulations allow proposing solutions to limit the warm-up time. Of main importance are the minimization of the water inventory in the system and the construction of a compact system, which minimizes the distance between the components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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20 pages, 24946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of a Grid-Independent Set-Up of a PV/SOFC Micro-CHP System Combined with a Seasonal Energy Storage for Residential Applications

by Rahaf S. Ghanem, Laura Nousch and Maria Richter

Energies 2022, 15(4), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041388 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2660

Abstract

Renewable energy sources based on solar and wind energy provide clean and efficient energy. The intermittent behaviour of these sources is challenging. At the same time, the needs for efficient, continuous and clean energy sources are increased for serving both electricity and thermal demands for residential buildings. Consequently, complimentary systems are essential in order to ensure a continuous power generation. One of the promising energy sources that helps in reducing CO₂ emissions, in addition to providing electrical and thermal energy efficiently, is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system operated in a combined heat and power (CHP) mode, due to high electrical efficiencies (in full and part load) and the fuel flexibility. Currently, most studies tend to focus on fuel cell model details with basic information about the building’s energy requirements. Nevertheless, a deep understanding of integrating fuel cell micro-CHP systems with renewable energy systems for the residential sector is required. Moreover, it is important to define an operating strategy for the system with a specific controlling method. This helps in evaluating the performance and the efficiency of the building energy system. In this study, an investigation of different configurations of a hybrid power system (HPS) was carried out. The intended aim of this investigation was to optimize a HPS with minimal CO₂ emissions, serving the energy demands for a single-family house efficiently and continuously. As a result of this study, a photovoltaic (PV)/SOFC micro-CHP system has satisfied the intended goal, where the CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced by 88.6% compared to conventional systems. The SOFC micro-CHP plant operated as a complimentary back-up generator that serves the energy demands during the absence of the solar energy. Integrating the Power to Gas (PtG) technology leads to a similar emission reduction, while the PtG plant provided a seasonal energy storage. The excess energy produced during summer by the PV system is stored in the fuel storage for a later use (during winter). This SOFC micro-CHP configuration is recommended from an energy and environmental perspective. In terms of feasibility, the costs of SOFC based micro-CHP systems are significantly higher than traditional technologies. However, further technology developments and the effect of economy of scale may cause a substantial drop in costs and the micro-CHP shall become economically competitive and available for residential users; thus, enabling a self-sufficient and efficient energy production on site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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29 pages, 6696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

System Simulation and Analysis of an LNG-Fueled SOFC System Using Additively Manufactured High Temperature Heat Exchangers

by Jan Hollmann, Marco Fuchs, Carsten Spieker, Ulrich Gardemann, Michael Steffen, Xing Luo and Stephan Kabelac

Energies 2022, 15(3), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15030941 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3125

Abstract

A laboratory-scale solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel is designed to be used as an energy converter on seagoing vessels (MultiSchIBZ project). The presented system design phase is supported by thermodynamic system simulation. As heat integration plays a crucial role with regard to fuel recirculation and endothermic pre-reforming, the heat exchanger and pre-reforming component models need to exhibit a high degree of accuracy throughout the entire operating range. Compact additively manufactured tube-bundle and plate-fin heat exchangers are designed to achieve high heat exchange efficiencies at low pressure losses. Their heat transfer correlations are derived from experimental component tests under operating conditions. A simulation study utilizing these heat exchanger characteristics is carried out for four configuration variants of pre-reforming and heat integration. Their system behaviour is analyzed with regard to the degree of pre-reforming and the outlet temperature of the fuel processing module. The combination of allothermal pre-reforming with additively manufactured plate-fin heat exchangers exhibits the best heat integration performance at nominal full load and yields a partial load capability to up to 60% electrical load at net electrical efficiencies of 58 to 60% (LHV). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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13 pages, 3205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Operating Conditions of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System with Anode Off-Gas Recirculation Using the Model-Based Sensitivity Analysis

by Eun-Jung Choi, Sangseok Yu and Sang-Min Lee

Energies 2022, 15(2), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020644 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

Designing a configuration of an efficient solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system and operating it under appropriate conditions are important for achieving a highly efficient SOFC system. In our previous research, the system layout of a SOFC system with anode off-gas recirculation was suggested, and the system performance was examined using a numerical model. In the present study, the system operating conditions were optimized based on the system configuration and numerical model developed in the previous paper. First, a parametric sensitivity analysis of the system performance was investigated to demonstrate the main operating parameters. Consequently, the fuel flow rate and recirculation ratio were selected. Then, the available operating conditions, which keep the system below the operating limits and satisfy the desired system performance (

U_{f u e l}

> 0.7 and

η_{e l e c}

> 45%) were discovered. Finally, optimized operating conditions were suggested for three operating modes: optimized electrical efficiency, peak power, and heat generation. Depending on the situation, the demand for electricity and heat can be different, so different proper operating points are suggested for each mode. Additionally, using the developed model and the conducted process of this study, various optimized operating conditions can be derived for diverse cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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15 pages, 4762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mathematical Modeling of an Electrotechnical Complex of a Power Unit Based on Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

by Ivan V. Vasyukov, Alexander V. Pavlenko, Vladimir S. Puzin, Denis V. Batishchev and Irina A. Bolshenko

Energies 2021, 14(21), 6974; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14216974 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1560

Abstract

The issues of mathematical and numerical simulation of an electrical complex of a power plant based on hydrogen fuel cells with a voltage step-down converter were considered. The work was aimed at developing a mathematical model that would provide for determining the most loaded operation mode of the complex components. The existing mathematical models do not consider the effect of such processes as the charge and discharge of the battery backup power supply on the power plant components. They often do not consider the nonlinearity of the fuel cell output voltage. This paper offers a mathematical model of an electrical complex based on the circuit analysis. The model combines a well-known physical model of a fuel cell based on a potential difference and a model of a step-down converter with a battery backup power supply developed by the authors. A method of configuring a fuel cell model based on the experimental current–voltage characteristic by the least-squares method has been proposed. The developed model provides for determining currents and voltages in all components of the power plant both in the nominal operating mode and in the mode of limiting the power consumed from the fuel cell when the battery backup power supply is being charged. The correctness of the calculated ratios and the mathematical model has been confirmed experimentally. Using the proposed model, a 1300 W power plant with a specific power of 529.3 W∙h/kg was developed and tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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14 pages, 1482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catalyst Distribution Optimization Scheme for Effective Green Hydrogen Production from Biogas Reforming

by Marcin Pajak, Grzegorz Brus and Janusz S. Szmyd

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5558; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175558 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Green hydrogen technology has recently gained in popularity due to the current economic and ecological trends that aim to remove the fossil fuels share in the energy mix. Among various alternatives, biogas reforming is an attractive choice for hydrogen production. To meet the authorities’ requirements, reforming biogas-enriched natural gas and sole biogas is tempting. Highly effective process conditions of biogas reforming are yet to be designed. The current state of the art lacks proper optimization of the process conditions. The optimization should aim to allow for maximization of the process effectiveness and limitation of the phenomena having an adverse influence on the process itself. One of the issues that should be addressed in optimization is the uniformity of temperature inside a reactor. Here we show an optimization design study that aims to unify temperature distribution by novel arrangements of catalysts segments in the model biogas reforming reactor. The acquired numerical results confirm the possibility of the enhancement of reaction effectiveness, coming from improving the thermal conditions. The used amount of catalytic material is remarkably reduced as a side effect of the presented optimization. To ensure an unhindered perception of the reaction improvement, the authors proposed a ratio of the hydrogen output and the amount of used catalyst as a measure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling)

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