This Project aims to create next generation electrodes and improved MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) to achieve better performance and longer lifetime. High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFC) can effectively be combined with CHP systems to offer a simple system design and higher overall system efficiencies and are therefore expected to play a vital role in optimization of smart grid applications. This gives us a motivation to understand the specific role on how HTPEMFCs can be effectively utilized in optimization of smart grid applications; its merits / demerits, benefits from the high temperature heat in a district heating system etc.
The research work will address the following issues.
- Significant efforts will be made to develop a novel electrode structure
- to optimize three phase boundary
- to increase acid retention
- to improve the membrane electrode interfacial resistance
- Optimized MEA assembly
The project also involves
- Definition of dynamic operation modes of MEAs
- The specifications of MEA operational parameters and performance targets
- Test Protocols for Smart grid MEAs
Figure 1: SEM Image of a MEA
The PhD study is part of the SmartMEA project funded by Energinet.dk