Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Regenerative Fuel Cell for Off-Grid Renewable Energy Storage
EPA Grant Number: SU835089Title: Regenerative Fuel Cell for Off-Grid Renewable Energy Storage
Investigators: Strickland, Daniel G. , Schwartz, Jeff , Sizemore, Michael , Pimentel, Ross , Lele, Sandeep , Krishnan, Shoba , Zalawadia, Sutyen
Institution: Santa Clara University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $14,907
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Develop a portable, autonomous, and unitized regenerative fuel cell capable of continuous, sustainable energy to meet energy demands in off-grid applications. When coupled with a photovoltaic cell, the system will manage energy supply and demand to ensure uninterrupted renewable power. The regenerative fuel cell leverages innovative capillary wicking structures for simplified and efficient performance.
An estimated 1.6 billion people lack access to electricity. This project will offer a viable means to supply clean, reliable power to those in off-grid locations. A reversible proton exchange membrane fuel cell will generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen source tanks to provide power to a load. During peak hours of insolation, photovoltaic panels will provide power for electrolysis – running the cell in reverse to resupply fuel tanks – and simultaneously supply power to a load. A control system will regulate operational parameters and system output to maintain optimal efficiency through modal shifts. Founded on the principles of Santa Clara University’s Sustainability Initiative, our design will be integrated as a functional educational tool in multiple avenues, including the university’s Solar Decathlon Houses.
We intend to construct a proof-of-concept prototype, complete with working control system. This prototype will allow for design modifications through experimental characterization. The system will be evaluated on efficiency, output, power density, and price competitiveness. Testing and demonstration will take place in Santa Clara University’s Solar Decathlon Houses. Successful beta testing will demonstrate a sustainably viable and universally applicable design capable of providing portable off-grid energy.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Field Research Findings: Our research team traveled to Blue Fields Nicaragua to conduct field research with blueEnergy. Here through interviews of local residents, workers, and volunteers we found that batteries pose a large problem to sustainable off-grid electrification. The need for a reliable and clean energy storage system is key to sustained energy generation systems.
Electrical Findings: Charge mode was successfully accomplished with the correct output voltage to operate the fuel cell in the proper power range. Discharge mode was also successfully accomplished by use of a two stage boost converter. Boost converter modifications stepped the voltage up to a state that is able to be used by our LED source to provide light for the end user.
Mechanical Findings: Adequate passive water management of a fuel cell was shown through the integration of a polymer water management system. Charge and discharge modes for the proof of concept of a passive unitized regenerative fuel cell (PUReFC) were successfully demonstrated.
Conclusions:
Field Research Conclusions: Due to low user technical abilities and corrosive environments a totally contained energy storage system is needed. Also due to the unreliability of FLA batteries and short lifetimes of 2-3 years an alternative energy storage system is needed for wind and solar installations.
Electrical Conclusions: From the LTspice waveforms, we are positive that our LEDs will turn on with the output voltage from the two stage boost. After calculating the rate of reaction verses membrane life expectancy, we are properly applying a voltage potential that will charge our fuel cell most efficiently.
Mechanical Conclusions: From charge and discharge voltage-current outputs we showed that this passive system can provide adequate power output for an energy system. This never before tried system showed good results and a future scale up could offer a sustainable alternative to off-grid energy storage
Supplemental Keywords:
proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC), photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell energy systems, energy storage, renewable energy, innovative technology, pollution prevention, environmental sustainability, Passive Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (PUReFC), polymer wicking structureP3 Phase II:
Passive Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (PUReFC) for Energy Storage in Off-grid Locations | 2013 Progress Report | 2014 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.