Evaluación de componentes de PEMFCs usando una celda de testeo comercial.
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
En el escenario global actual, donde la transición hacía las tecnologías energéticas y sostenible es crucial, las celdas de combustible de membrana de intercambio protónico (PEMFC) han surgido como una opción prometedora para la generación de electricidad a partir de hidrógeno verde. Estas celdas destacan por su alta densidad de potencia, operación a bajas temperaturas y capacidad de respuesta rápida, características que la convierten en una alternativa ideal para aplicaciones futuras en transporte y generación estacionaria. Sin embargo, su proceso de desarrollo enfrenta desafíos relacionados con la optimización de componentes y las condiciones de operación que impactan directamente en su rendimiento.
Por lo anterior, este trabajo de tesis se enfoca en la integración de una celda de prueba comercial Leancat en un banco de pruebas para evaluar componentes de la celda PEMFC. La investigación abarca desde el diseño y ensamblaje del sistema hasta su validación experimental. Para ello, se emplean técnicas de caracterización electroquímica, como curvas voltaje-corriente (V-I), análisis estructural mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y evaluación molecular a través de espectroscopía Raman. Además, se realizó un análisis ANOVA para interpretar los resultados obtenidos. Se desarrolló también un manual detallado que incluye los procedimientos de configuración, calibración y mantenimiento del banco de pruebas, con el objetivo de garantizar un uso eficiente y seguro del sistema.
Entre los resultados obtenidos, las curvas voltaje-corriente (V-I) mostraron que una humidificación adecuada de los gases reactivos mejora considerablemente la eficiencia electroquímica de la celda. En particular, se observó que al aumentar la humidificación relativa del hidrógeno del 66.7 % al 76.9% y la del oxígeno del 60.2% al 70.5%, la corriente promedio se incrementó en un 45.8%, mientras que el voltaje promedio aumentó un 2.50%. Sin embargo, al aumentar aún más los niveles de humidificación, alcanzando un 82.3% para el hidrógeno y un 78% para el oxígeno, el voltaje continuó incrementándose en un 54.6%, pero la corriente experimentó una disminución del 34.9%, lo que sugiere que una humidificación excesiva podría afectar negativamente la dinámica de transferencia de carga. Además, operar la celda a temperaturas superiores a los 80 °C puede provocar deshidratación de la membrana, resultando en una disminución en la eficiencia de la celda. Por otro lado, los análisis estructurales como la espectroscopía Raman y SEM revelaron cambios significativos en la membrana y catalizadores después de su uso, identificando defectos que impactan en la durabilidad y el rendimiento del sistema. El análisis ANOVA corroboró que los diferentes niveles de humedad y las temperaturas de la celda influyen directamente en el voltaje y corriente de la celda, lo que destaca la importancia de evaluar estas variables para optimizar su rendimiento.
In the current global scenario, where the transition towards sustainable energy technologies is crucial, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as a promising option for generating electricity from green hydrogen. These cells stand out for their high-power density, low-temperature operation, and rapid response capability, characteristics that make them an ideal alternative for future applications in transportation and stationary generation. However, their development process faces challenges related to the optimization of components and operating conditions that directly impact their performance. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the integration of a commercial Leancat test cell into a test bench to evaluate PEMFC components. The research covers everything from the design and assembly of the system to its experimental validation. For this purpose, electrochemical characterization techniques, such as voltage-current (V-I) curves, structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular evaluation through Raman spectroscopy, are employed. Additionally, an ANOVA analysis was performed to interpret the results obtained. A detailed manual was also developed, including the configuration, calibration, and maintenance procedures of the test bench, with the aim of ensuring the efficient and safe use of the system. Among the results obtained, the voltage-current (V-I) curves showed that adequate humidification of the reactant gases significantly improves the electrochemical efficiency of the cell. Specifically, it was observed that by increasing the relative humidification of hydrogen from 66.7% to 76.9% and that of oxygen from 60.2% to 70.5%, the average current increased by 45.8% while the average voltage rose by 2.50%. However, by further increasing the humidification levels, reaching 82.3% for hydrogen and 78% for oxygen, the voltage continued to increase by 54.6%, but the current decreased by 34.9%, suggesting that excessive humidification may negatively affect the charge transfer dynamics. Additionally, operating the cell at temperatures above 80 °C can lead to membrane dehydration, resulting in a decrease in cell efficiency. On the other hand, structural analyses such as Raman spectroscopy and SEM revealed significant changes in the membrane and catalysts after use, identifying defects that impact the durability and performance of the system. The ANOVA analysis corroborated that the different humidity levels and cell temperatures directly influence the cell voltage and current, highlighting the importance of evaluating these variables to optimize its performance.
In the current global scenario, where the transition towards sustainable energy technologies is crucial, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as a promising option for generating electricity from green hydrogen. These cells stand out for their high-power density, low-temperature operation, and rapid response capability, characteristics that make them an ideal alternative for future applications in transportation and stationary generation. However, their development process faces challenges related to the optimization of components and operating conditions that directly impact their performance. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the integration of a commercial Leancat test cell into a test bench to evaluate PEMFC components. The research covers everything from the design and assembly of the system to its experimental validation. For this purpose, electrochemical characterization techniques, such as voltage-current (V-I) curves, structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular evaluation through Raman spectroscopy, are employed. Additionally, an ANOVA analysis was performed to interpret the results obtained. A detailed manual was also developed, including the configuration, calibration, and maintenance procedures of the test bench, with the aim of ensuring the efficient and safe use of the system. Among the results obtained, the voltage-current (V-I) curves showed that adequate humidification of the reactant gases significantly improves the electrochemical efficiency of the cell. Specifically, it was observed that by increasing the relative humidification of hydrogen from 66.7% to 76.9% and that of oxygen from 60.2% to 70.5%, the average current increased by 45.8% while the average voltage rose by 2.50%. However, by further increasing the humidification levels, reaching 82.3% for hydrogen and 78% for oxygen, the voltage continued to increase by 54.6%, but the current decreased by 34.9%, suggesting that excessive humidification may negatively affect the charge transfer dynamics. Additionally, operating the cell at temperatures above 80 °C can lead to membrane dehydration, resulting in a decrease in cell efficiency. On the other hand, structural analyses such as Raman spectroscopy and SEM revealed significant changes in the membrane and catalysts after use, identifying defects that impact the durability and performance of the system. The ANOVA analysis corroborated that the different humidity levels and cell temperatures directly influence the cell voltage and current, highlighting the importance of evaluating these variables to optimize its performance.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniera Civil Química
Keywords
Electroquímica, Pilas de combustible, Hidrógeno como combustible, Tecnología verde