Experimental investigation of using ZnO nanofluids as coolants in a PEM fuel cell. (27th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Islam, R.; Shabani, B.; Andrews, J.; Rosengarten, G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 30(2017)
• Page Start: 19272
• Page End: 19286
• Publication Date: 2017-07-27
• Subjects: PEMFCs -- Nanofluids -- Heat exchanger -- Pumping power -- Coolant; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.06.087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we report on an experimental study conducted on the thermo-electrical performance of a small-scale (i.e. 2.4 kW) Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), in which both conventional 50/50 water-Ethylene Glycol (EG), and 50/50 water-EG based ZnO nanofluids were used as coolants. PEMFCs are a promising alternative to Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) for automotive applications. However, among other challenges, the large-sized cooling system of PEMFCs (i.e. the radiator) imposes a great challenge for this application. Using nanofluids as coolants has the potential to address this challenge. Employing selected nanofluids as coolants, with maximum 0.5 vol% nanoparticle concentration, showed no change in the electrical power outputs of the stack based on its polarisation curve, whereas the cooling capacity of the system was improved 29% compared with that while using 50/50 water-EG as coolant. The experimental investigation reported here confirmed the earlier theoretical finding that the frontal area of the radiator (i.e. used for fuel cell cooling) could be reduced by about 27% when nanofluids (0.5 vol%) replaced conventional EG/water coolants. Using 0.5 vol% ZnO nanofluid also showed just less than 10% increase in the pumping power compared to when the conventional 50/50 water-EG was used as coolant. It is concluded in this study that up to 0.5 vol% ZnO nanofluid can be applied to the PEMFC cooling system without affecting any electrical performance of the system. Highlights: Electrical conductivity of nanofluids increase with concentration and temperature. Radiator size can be reduced 29% with 0.5 vol% ZnO nanofluids. The pressure drops increased 10% with 4 l/min nanofluid flow rate. Using 0.5 vol% nanofluid as coolant doesn't affect electrical performance of PEMFC. Theoretical models are unable to predict thermo-electrical properties of nanofluids.