RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Energy is the primary and most universal measure of all kinds of work by human beings and
nature. Every thing what is happening in the world is the expression of flow of energy in one of its
forms. Most people use the word energy for input to their body and thus think about crude fuels and
electric power. All of us know that neither energy can be created nor destroyed it can be just
transformed from one form to another form. Now-a-days we are using mostly non-conventional
sources to generate electricity like solar energy, wind energy, thermal energy, chemical energy,
hydro energy. These energy converters developed mostly in 18th century but the revolutionary
change have occurred only in20th and 21st centuries.

CHEMICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS: This includes Fuel cells and batteries. The work on
batteries and fuel cells, viz. Sodium sulphur batteries, metal air rechargeable cells, hydrogen
oxygen and lithium fuel cells etc. is already in progress in a number of places of our country. In
principle a fuel cell operates like a battery. Unlike a battery, a fuel cell does not run down or
require recharging. It will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel is
supplied. A fuel cell consists of two electrodes sand witched around an electrolyte. Oxygen passes
over one electrode and hydrogen over the other, generating electricity, water and heat. A fuel cell
system, which includes a “fuel reformer”, can utilize the hydrogen from any hydrocarbon fuel-from
natural gas to methanol, and even gasoline. Since the fuel cell relies on chemistry and not
combustion, emissions from this system would still be much smaller than emissions from the
cleanest fuel combustion process.

TYPES OF FUEL CELLS:

1. Phosphoric acid Proton Exchange Membrane or Solid Polymer.

2. Molten Carbonate.
3. Solid Oxide.
4. Alkaline.
5. Direct Methanol Fuel cells.
PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE:
The Proton Exchange Membrane fuel (PEMFC) cell uses one of the simplest reactions of
any fuel cell. First, lets take a look at what’s in a PEM fuel cell:
There are four basic elements of a PEMFC:
• The anode, the negative post of the fuel cell, has several jobs. It conducts the electrons that
are freed from the hydrogen molecules so that they can be used in an external circuit. It has
channels etched into it that disperse the hydrogen gas equally over the surface of the catalyst.
• The CATHODE, the positive post of the fuel cell, has channels etched into it that distribute
the oxygen to the surface of the catalyst. It also conducts the electrons back from the external circuit
to the catalyst., where they can recombine with the hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.
• The electrolyte is the proton exchange membrane. This specially treated material, which
looks something like ordinary kitchen plastic wrap, only conducts positively charged ion. The
membrane blocks electrons.
• The catalyst is a special material that facilitates the reaction of oxygen and hydrogen. It is
usually made of platinum powder very thinly coated onto carbon paper or cloth. The catalyst is
rough and porous and so that the maximum surface area of the platinum can be exposed to the
hydrogen or oxygen. The platinum coated side of the catalyst faces the PEM.
Pressurized hydrogen gas enters the anode side. This gas is forced to the catalyst by pressure. When
a H2 molecule comes in contact with platinum on the catalyst, it splits into two H+ ions and
2electrons. The electrons are conducted through the anode, where they make their way through the
external circuit and return to the cathode side of the fuel cell. Meanwhile, on the cathode side of the
fuel cell oxygen gas is being forced through the catalyst, where it forms two oxygen atoms. Each of
these atoms has strong negative charge. This negative charge attracts two hydrogen atoms through
the membrane, where they combine with an oxygen atom and two of the electrons from external
circuit to form water molecule.
DEVELOPMENT OF LOW TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL(PEMFC,
DMFC):
Development of low temperature fuel cells for several applications in automotive, houses or
mobile small electronic (Laptop, Mobile Phone etc.,). Fuel cell unit consists of principally anode
and cathode electrodes and electrolyte which are located between anode and cathode. It is energy
source of further, however the size, weight, start-up time, operating life, cost of the system, water
management and heat management are important issues to improve the fuel cell properties.
 The components of the fuel cell will be developed for solving the problem of polymer
electrolyte (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) such as cost, life, weight. In addition,
physically and chemically stable polymer electrolyte membranes will be produced and/or modified
for DMFC and PEMFC applications. Development of Low Temperature fuel cells (PEMFC,
DMFC).
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device in which the energy of a chemical reaction is
converted directly into electricity. Hydrogen fuel, which can be obtained from fuels such as natural
gas, methanol, or petroleum, and oxygen from the air electrochemically combine in the fuel cell to
produce electricity. Since the fuel is converted directly to electricity, a fuel cell can operate at much
higher efficiencies than internal combustion engines, extracting more electricity from the same
amount of fuel. The fuel cell itself has no moving parts-making it a quiet and reliable source of
power. Heat and pure water vapour are the only by-products from the fuel cells electrochemical
reaction. Fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications meeting energy demand; electricity
production. con generation, road transport, ships, trains, portable and current critical devices, etc.
for military and civilian society. Fuel cell technology is source of future energy for many
applications. However, fuel cells are not yet capable of competing with established technologies.
The solid electrolyte is an advantage because it reduces corrosion and management problems. Each
of the electrodes is coated on one side with a thin catalyst layer. The electrodes, catalyst and
membrane together form the membrane electrode assembly. A single fuel cell consists of a
membrane electrode assembly and two flow field plates. Single cells are combined into a fuel cell
stack to produce the desired level of electrical power.

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Meem Ceellll:: These Cells operate at relatively
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low temperatures (80°C), have high power density, can vary their output quickly to meet shifts in
power demand, and are suited for applications, such as in automobiles where quick startup is
required. PEMFC can be used for light –Duty vehicles, for building, and for much smaller
applications such as replacements for rechargeable batteries. Gases (Hydrogen and Air) are supplied
to the electrodes on either side of the PEM through channels formed in the flow field plates.
Hydrogen flows through the channels to the anode where the catalyst promotes its separation into
protons (Positive Hydrogen Ions) and electrons in the presence of catalyst at the anode. The protons
migrate through the membrane electrolyte to the cathode. The free electrons are captured as useful
electricity through an external circuit and combine with the protons and oxygen to produce water
vapour on the cathode side. On the opposite of the PEM, oxygen from air flows through the
channels to the cathode where oxygen in the air attracts the hydrogen protons through the PEM. In
this fuel cell, the PEM electrolyte must allow hydrogen protons to pass though, but prohibit the
passage of electrons and heavier gases. However, this type of fuel cell is sensitive to fuel impurities.
Direct Methanol Fuel Cell: These cells are similar to the PEM cells using a polymer membrane as
the electrolyte. However in the DMFC The anode catalyst itself draws directly the hydrogen from
the liquid methanol, eliminating the need for a fuel reformer. This type of fuel cell operates at a
temperature between 50-100°C. This is a relatively low range, make type and catalyst loa, thickness
and distribution of catalyst, membrane type and thickness, feed flow rate, gas cleaning, contents of
feed, removing of by-product water, removing of CO2 for DMFC, proton transport phenomena,
water management, heat management will be investigated. In addition, physically and chemically
stable polymer electrolyte membranes will be produced and/or modified for DMFC and PEMFC
applications, Membrane and catalyst group will focus to reduce of thickness of the membrane and
enhance conductivity of electrolytes, and also to improve catalyst distribution and efficiency. In
spite of the advantages of fuel cell, several problems such as mass transport Limitations, water and
heat management, come together with installation of fuel cell technology, mainly in combination
with hydrocarbon-based transport application. The one of the most important field of application is
water management, since water is critical for achieving high performance of PEMFC and DMFC If
the water generated is not removed from the cathode at sufficient rate, cathode flooding may result
and the oxygen gas transport is hindered. Thermal management is required to remove heat
generated by the reaction in order to prevent the membrane from drying. Because of highly reactive
environment it is not possible to perform detailed in suit measurements during the fuel cell
operation.

How Fuel Processors Work:

If we read the article on Fuel Cells, you know that they produce electricity from hydrogen
and Oxygen, and emit only steam. The main problem with hydrogen powered fuel cells involves the
storage’s and distribution of Hydrogen.
Hydrogen gas is not a very energy-dense fuel, meaning it contains little Energy per unit
volume compared to a liquid fuel like Gasoline or methanol. So it is difficult to fit enough hydrogen
gas into a fuel cell powered car to give it a reasonable driving range. That technology is in
development. It is called fuel processor or a reformer. In this Fuel Processors must be able to do this
in an efficient manner with a minimum of pollution –otherwise; they negate the benefits of using a
fuel cell in the first place.
 For Cars the main issue is energy storage. In order to avoid having large, heavy pressure
tanks, a liquid fuel is referable to a gas. Companies are working on fuel processors for liquid fuel is
preferable to a gas. Companies are working on fuel processors for liquid fuels like gasoline and
methanol. Methanol is the most promising fuel in the short term; it can be stored and distributed in
much the same way as gasoline is now.
For houses and stationary Power generation, fuel like natural gas or propane is preferred.
Many power stations and houses are already hooked up to natural gas supplies by pipeline. And
some houses that are not hooked up to gas lines have propane tanks. So it makes sense to convert
these fuels to hydrogen for use in stationary fuel cells.
HOW THE FUEL PROCESSOR AND FUEL CELL WORK TOGETHER:
In order to create power, several systems must work together to provide the required
electrical output. A typical system would consist of an electrical load (like a house, or an electric
motor) a fuel cell and a fuel processor. Let’s take the case of a fuel cell powered car. When you
step on the gas (hydrogen) pedal. Several things happen at about the same time.
• The electric motor controller starts supplying more current to the electric motor, and the
electric motor generates more torque.
• In the Fuel Cell, more hydrogen is reacted, producing more electrons, which make their
way through the electric motor and controller, keeping up with the increased power demand.
• The fuel processor starts pumping more methanols though its system, which create
more hydrogen. Another pump increases the flow of hydrogen going to the fuel cell.
A Similar sequence of events happen in your house when you suddenly increase the electrical
demand. For instance, when your air conditioner is turned on, the power output of the fuel cell has
to increase quickly, else the light will dim until the fuel cell can catch up with the demand.

Application of Fuel Cells:

As we’ve discussed, fuel cells could be used in a number of a applications. Each proposed
use raises its own issues and challenges.

Automobiles:
Fuel –Cell Powered cars will start to replace Gas-and diesel Engine cars by about 2005. A
Fuel-Cell car will be very similar to an electric car but with a fuel cell reformer instead of batteries.
Most likely, You will fill your fuel-Cell car up with methanol, but some companies are working on
gasoline reformers. Other companies hope to do away with the reformer completely by advanced
storage devices for Hydrogen
Fuel Cell Cars
Ballard Fuel Cells: Transportation Applications
Transportation Fuel Cell Pictures

Portable Power:
Fuel Cells also make sense for portable electronics like Laptop Computers, Cellular Phones
or even hearing aids. In these applications, the fuel cell will provide much longer life than a battery
would, and you should be able to “recharge” it quickly with a liquid or gaseous fuel

Home Power Generation:

This is a promising application 2005. General Electric is going to offer a fuel-Cell generator
system made by Plug Power . This system will use a natural gas or propane reformer and produce
up to seven Kilowatts of power (which is enough for most houses) A system like this produces
electricity and significant amounts of heat, so it is possible that the system could heat your water
and help to heat you house without using any additional energy.

Large Power Generation:

Some fuel-Cell technologies have the potential to replace conventional combustion power
plants. Large Fuel Cells will be able to generate electricity more efficiently than today’s power
plants. The fuel-Cell technologies being developed for these power plants will generate electricity
directly from hydrogen in the fuel Cell, but will also use the heat and water produced in the cell to
power steam turbines and generate even more electricity.
PROBLEMS WITH FUEL CELLS:

We learned in the last section that fuel cell uses oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity.
The oxygen required for a fuel cell comes from the air. In fact, in the PEM fuel cell , ordinary air is
pumped into the cathode. The hydrogen is not so rapidly available, however. For instance, you don’t
have a hydrogen pipeline coming from to your house, and you can’t pull up to a hydrogen pump at
your local gas station.
Hydrogen is difficult to store and distribute, so it would be much more convenient if the
fuels cells could use fuels that are more readily available called a REFORMER. A reformer turns
hydrocarbons fuels into hydrogen, which is then fed to the fuel cell.
Unfortunately, reformers are not perfect. They generate heat and produce other gases
besides hydrogen. They use various devices to try to clean up the hydrogen, but even so, the
hydrogen that comes out of them is not pure, and this lowers the efficiency of the fuel cell.