Operational experiences of PEMFC pilot plant using low grade hydrogen from sodium chlorate production process. (2nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ihonen, J.; Koski, P.; Pulkkinen, V.; Keränen, T.; Karimäki, H.; Auvinen, S.; Nikiforow, K.; Kotisaari, M.; Tuiskula, H.; Viitakangas, J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 44(2017)
• Page Start: 27269
• Page End: 27283
• Publication Date: 2017-11-02
• Subjects: PEMFC -- By-product hydrogen -- Hydrogen quality -- Carbon monoxide -- Fuel cell system -- Stack degradation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.09.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A 50 kW PEMFC pilot plant has been operated 4400 h using hydrogen originating from a sodium chlorate production process after standard industry purification processes were applied. The first stage of the fuel cell system operation was performed using anode gas recirculation, while in the other stages an open anode configuration was applied. The fuel cell system did not show extensive degradation despite the low quality of the hydrogen and frequent shut-downs. The average degradation rate was 2–3 μV per hour at low and medium currents (10–150 A). The main causes for any unreliability were found to be hydrogen supply side system components, namely pressure reducers and valves. Recommendations are given for the improvement of both PEMFC power plant design and operation for industrial hydrogen applications. Highlights: 50 kW pilot plant PEMFC system was operated 4400 h using low grade hydrogen. Irreversible and reversible performance degradation were measured. The problematic components for system reliability were identified. Recommendations for system design and operation are given.