Phosphoric acid fuel cell: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Proton Exchange Fuel Cell Diagram.svg|thumb|Scheme of a phosphoric acid fuel cell]]
{{Short description|Type of fuel cell}}
[[Image:Proton Exchange Fuel Cell Diagram.svg|thumb|Diagram of a phosphoric acid fuel cell]]
'''Phosphoric acid fuel cells''' ('''PAFC''') are a type of [[fuel cell]] that uses liquid [[phosphoric acid]] as an [[electrolyte]]. They were the first fuel cells to be commercialized. Developed in the mid-1960s and field-tested since the 1970s, they have improved significantly in stability, performance, and cost. Such characteristics have made the PAFC a good candidate for early stationary applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/types-fuel-cells#phosphoric.|title = Types of Fuel Cells}}</ref>
'''Phosphoric acid fuel cells''' ('''PAFC''') are a type of [[fuel cell]] that uses liquid [[phosphoric acid]] as an [[electrolyte]]. They were the first fuel cells to be commercialized. Developed in the mid-1960s and field-tested since the 1970s, they have improved significantly in stability, performance, and cost. Such characteristics have made the PAFC a good candidate for early stationary applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/types-fuel-cells#phosphoric.|title = Types of Fuel Cells}}</ref>


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==Electrode reactions==
==Electrode reactions==


Anode reaction: 2H<sub>2</sub>(g) → 4H<sup>+</sup> + 4e‾
Anode reaction: 2H<sub>2</sub>(g) → 4H<sup>+</sup> + 4e
 


Cathode reaction: O<sub>2</sub>(g) + 4H<sup>+</sup> + 4e‾ → 2H<sub>2</sub>O
Cathode reaction: O<sub>2</sub>(g) + 4H<sup>+</sup> + 4e‾ → 2H<sub>2</sub>O
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==Advantages and disadvantages==
==Advantages and disadvantages==
At an operating range of 150 to 200&nbsp;°C, the expelled water can be converted to steam for air and water heating ([[Cogeneration|combined heat and power]]). This potentially allows [[thermodynamic efficiency|efficiency]] increases of up to 70%.<ref>[http://energycenter.org/index.php/technical-assistance/renewables/fuel-cells Fuel Cells<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123204231/http://energycenter.org/index.php/technical-assistance/renewables/fuel-cells |date=November 23, 2010 }}</ref> PAFCs are [[carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub>]]-tolerant and can tolerate a [[carbon monoxide|CO]] concentration of about 1.5%, which broadens the choice of fuels they can use. If gasoline is used, the sulfur must be removed.<ref name="FCorg">[http://www.fuelcells.org/basics/types.html Fuel Cells 2000 : Fuel Cell Basics : Types<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>  At lower temperatures phosphoric acid is a poor ionic conductor, and CO poisoning of the platinum electro-catalyst in the anode becomes severe.<ref name="FuelcellHandbook">[http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/coalpower/fuelcells/seca/pubs/fchandbook7.pdf] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123023857/http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/coalpower/fuelcells/seca/pubs/fchandbook7.pdf |date=November 23, 2010 }}</ref> However, they are much less sensitive to CO than [[Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell|proton-exchange membrane fuel cells]] (PEMFC) and [[Alkaline fuel cell|alkaline fuel cells]] (AFC).
At an operating range of 150 to 200&nbsp;°C, the expelled water can be converted to steam for air and water heating ([[Cogeneration|combined heat and power]]). This potentially allows [[thermodynamic efficiency|efficiency]] increases of up to 70%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fuel Cells |url=http://energycenter.org/index.php/technical-assistance/renewables/fuel-cells |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123204231/http://energycenter.org/index.php/technical-assistance/renewables/fuel-cells |archivedate=Nov 23, 2010 |website=Center for Sustainable Energy}}</ref> PAFCs are [[carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub>]]-tolerant and can tolerate a [[carbon monoxide|CO]] concentration of about 1.5%, which broadens the choice of fuels they can use. If gasoline is used, the sulfur must be removed.<ref name="FCorg">[http://www.fuelcells.org/basics/types.html Fuel Cells 2000 : Fuel Cell Basics : Types<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081127051636/http://www.fuelcells.org/basics/types.html |date=2008-11-27 }}.</ref>  At lower temperatures phosphoric acid is a poor ionic conductor, and CO poisoning of the platinum electro-catalyst in the anode becomes severe.<ref name="FuelcellHandbook">{{cite web |url=http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/coalpower/fuelcells/seca/pubs/fchandbook7.pdf |title= Solid Oxide Fuel Cell|website=www.netl.doe.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123023857/http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/coalpower/fuelcells/seca/pubs/fchandbook7.pdf |archive-date=November 23, 2010}}</ref> However, they are much less sensitive to CO than [[proton-exchange membrane fuel cell]]s (PEMFC) and [[alkaline fuel cell]]s (AFC).


Disadvantages include rather low power density and chemically aggressive electrolyte.{{clarify|date=January 2012}}
Disadvantages include rather low power density and chemically aggressive electrolyte.{{clarify|date=January 2012}}
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==Applications==
==Applications==
[[File:PureCell System 400 CEP.jpg|thumb|PureCell System 400 CEP]]
[[File:PureCell System 400 CEP.jpg|thumb|PureCell System 400 CEP]]
PAFC have been used for stationary power generators with output in the 100&nbsp;kW to 400&nbsp;kW range and are also finding application in large vehicles such as buses.<ref name="FCToday">[http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/about-fuel-cells/technologies/pafc Fuel Cell Today - Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>
PAFC have been used for stationary power generators with output in the 100&nbsp;kW to 400&nbsp;kW range and are also finding application in large vehicles such as buses.<ref name="FCToday">[http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/about-fuel-cells/technologies/pafc Fuel Cell Today Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>


Major manufacturers of PAFC technology include Doosan Fuel Cell America Inc.<ref>http://www.doosanfuelcell.com/en/main.do.</ref> (formerly [[ClearEdge Power]] & UTC Power<ref>[http://www.clearedgepower.com/news/clearedge-power-completes-acquisition-utc-power ClearEdge Power – Media Room<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>) and [[Fuji Electric]].
Major manufacturers of PAFC technology include Doosan Fuel Cell America Inc.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.doosanfuelcell.com/en/main.do | title=Doosan Fuelcell America }}</ref> (formerly [[ClearEdge Power]] & UTC Power<ref>[http://www.clearedgepower.com/news/clearedge-power-completes-acquisition-utc-power ClearEdge Power – Media Room<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>) and [[Fuji Electric]].


India's [[DRDO]] has developed PAFC based [[air-independent propulsion]] for integration into their {{sclass-|Kalvari|submarine|||2015}}s.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indianbuilt-scorpene-to-carry-critical-drdo-system/article6558305.ece| title=Indian-built Scorpene to carry critical DRDO system | work=The Hindu | date=3 Nov 2014 | accessdate=2015-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1016372.ece | title=DRDO working on system to cut submarine vulnerability | date= 30 December 2010 | first=S. | last=Anandan | newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
India's [[DRDO]] has developed PAFC based [[air-independent propulsion]] for integration into their {{Sclass|Kalvari|submarine|||2015}}s.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indianbuilt-scorpene-to-carry-critical-drdo-system/article6558305.ece| title=Indian-built Scorpene to carry critical DRDO system | work=The Hindu | date=3 Nov 2014 | accessdate=2015-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1016372.ece | title=DRDO working on system to cut submarine vulnerability | date= 30 December 2010 | first=S. | last=Anandan | newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080828192711/http://www.utcpower.com/ UTC Power Official Site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080828192711/http://www.utcpower.com/ UTC Power Official Site]
* [http://www.smartplanet.com/photos/off-the-grid-10-fuel-cell-deployments-photos/6266998?tag=thumbnail-view-selector;get-photo-roto Photo Gallery of Fuel Cells Being Used Today]
* [http://www.smartplanet.com/photos/off-the-grid-10-fuel-cell-deployments-photos/6266998?tag=thumbnail-view-selector;get-photo-roto Photo Gallery of Fuel Cells Being Used Today]
* [http://fuelcellsworks.com/news/2011/02/07/cox-communications-partners-with-utc-power-to-install-fuel-cells-in-california/ Cox Communications Installs Fuel Cells in California]
* [http://fuelcellsworks.com/news/2011/02/07/cox-communications-partners-with-utc-power-to-install-fuel-cells-in-california/ Cox Communications Installs Fuel Cells in California] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203074606/http://fuelcellsworks.com/news/2011/02/07/cox-communications-partners-with-utc-power-to-install-fuel-cells-in-california/ |date=2011-12-03 }}
*[http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/fuelcells/fuelscells_phosacid.html D.O.E. -PAFC]
*[http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/fuelcells/fuelscells_phosacid.html D.O.E. -PAFC]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110923152407/http://www.fctec.com/fctec_types_pafc.asp Fuel Cell Basics]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110923152407/http://www.fctec.com/fctec_types_pafc.asp Fuel Cell Basics]
* [http://www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=06.04.01&article=fuelcells Alternative Energy Magazine]
* [http://www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=06.04.01&article=fuelcells Alternative Energy Magazine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917054335/http://www.earthtoys.com/emagazine.php?issue_number=06.04.01&article=fuelcells |date=2011-09-17 }}
* [http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/31/supermarket-installs-400-kw-fuel-cell/ Supermarket Benefits From 400kW Fuel Cell]
* [http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/08/31/supermarket-installs-400-kw-fuel-cell/ Supermarket Benefits From 400kW Fuel Cell]
* [http://www.fuelcells.org/info/charts/Grocery-Retail.pdf Stationary Fuel Cells at Retail and Grocery Sites]
* [http://www.fuelcells.org/info/charts/Grocery-Retail.pdf Stationary Fuel Cells at Retail and Grocery Sites]

Latest revision as of 03:14, 20 February 2025


Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Diagram of a phosphoric acid fuel cell

Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC) are a type of fuel cell that uses liquid phosphoric acid as an electrolyte. They were the first fuel cells to be commercialized. Developed in the mid-1960s and field-tested since the 1970s, they have improved significantly in stability, performance, and cost. Such characteristics have made the PAFC a good candidate for early stationary applications.[1]

Design[edit | edit source]

Electrolyte is highly concentrated or pure liquid phosphoric acid (H3PO4) saturated in a silicon carbide (SiC) matrix. Operating range is about 150 to 210 °C. The electrodes are made of carbon paper coated with a finely dispersed platinum catalyst.

Electrode reactions[edit | edit source]

Anode reaction: 2H2(g) → 4H+ + 4e


Cathode reaction: O2(g) + 4H+ + 4e‾ → 2H2O

Overall cell reaction: 2 H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Advantages and disadvantages[edit | edit source]

At an operating range of 150 to 200 °C, the expelled water can be converted to steam for air and water heating (combined heat and power). This potentially allows efficiency increases of up to 70%.[2] PAFCs are CO2-tolerant and can tolerate a CO concentration of about 1.5%, which broadens the choice of fuels they can use. If gasoline is used, the sulfur must be removed.[3] At lower temperatures phosphoric acid is a poor ionic conductor, and CO poisoning of the platinum electro-catalyst in the anode becomes severe.[4] However, they are much less sensitive to CO than proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and alkaline fuel cells (AFC).

Disadvantages include rather low power density and chemically aggressive electrolyte.[clarification needed]

Applications[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
PureCell System 400 CEP

PAFC have been used for stationary power generators with output in the 100 kW to 400 kW range and are also finding application in large vehicles such as buses.[5]

Major manufacturers of PAFC technology include Doosan Fuel Cell America Inc.[6] (formerly ClearEdge Power & UTC Power[7]) and Fuji Electric.

India's DRDO has developed PAFC based air-independent propulsion for integration into their -class submarines.[8][9]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Types of Fuel Cells".
  2. "Fuel Cells". Center for Sustainable Energy. Archived from the original on Nov 23, 2010.
  3. Fuel Cells 2000 : Fuel Cell Basics : Types Archived 2008-11-27 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. "Solid Oxide Fuel Cell" (PDF). www.netl.doe.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 23, 2010.
  5. Fuel Cell Today – Home Page.
  6. "Doosan Fuelcell America".
  7. ClearEdge Power – Media Room.
  8. "Indian-built Scorpene to carry critical DRDO system". The Hindu. 3 Nov 2014. Retrieved 2015-10-22.
  9. Anandan, S. (30 December 2010). "DRDO working on system to cut submarine vulnerability". The Hindu.

External links[edit | edit source]

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