Nonprismatic Air-Breathing Fuel Cells -- Concept, Theory, Design, and Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper details the research into axis symmetric architecture (ASA) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells possessing nonprismatic cylindrical architecture. Advantages of the ASA include improved fuel flow, reduced sealing area and weight, and increased power densities. Numerical and analytical studies will show improvements to flow characteristics. The ASA design facilitates natural convective flow to promote improved reactant availability and the prototypes created also show the ease of manufacture and assembly. ASA designs, unlike traditional fuel cells, do not require clamping plates and fastening mechanisms and lead to prototypes with reduced size, weight, and cost.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Second Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Research Center/Lab(s)

Intelligent Systems Center

Comments

This research was conducted in collaboration with the Air Force Research Labs [U.S. Air Force Research Labs (AFRL), (Contract No. FA4819-09-C-0018)]. The assistance provided by the Intelligent Systems Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology is also greatly appreciated.

Keywords and Phrases

Design; Flow (Dynamics); Fluid dynamics; Fuel cells; Manufacturing; Weight (Mass); Flat plates; Sealing (Process); Fuels; Membranes; Plates (structures)

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2016 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 2016

Share

 
COinS