Transcript Development of hydrogen energy industry and fuel cells

DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN
ENERGY INDUSTRY AND
FUEL CELLS:
PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS
hydrogen economy
At the threshold of a new era – era of hydrogen energy
(hydrogen economy)
Further rapid development of modern power generation and transport
industries will inevitably bring our civilization to environmental and energy
crisis of unprecedented scale.
• Depletion of existing fossil fuel reserves urges the industrial countries to
put forth maximum efforts to find alternative renewable sources of clean
energy.
• Past hopes for “the peaceful atom” turned out to be not as promising as
they seemed, and the prospects of thermonuclear energy taming and its
usage in the nearest future are still unclear.
• Hydrogen, being practically inexhaustible source of energy, may save our
world.
hydrogen economy
• Research in the field of hydrogen energy separated as a direction of
scientific and technological progress more than 30 years ago. Many
countries regard hydrogen technologies as a priority in their social and
economic development, hence the growing support from governments
and private business sector. Researchers and engineers are looking for
ways to introduce hydrogen fuel and electrochemical generators on the
basis of Fuel Cells in the most power-consuming industries including
transport vehicles. he use of hydrogen as a principal source of power will
create an absolutely new hydrogen economy.
• The results of this scientific and technological breakthrough can be
compared to such revolutionary changes in the development of our
civilization as those provided by electric power, internal combustion
engine, chemistry and oil chemistry, information technologies and
telecommunications.
• About 100 Western companies, industrial groups, university laboratories,
state institutions and research associations conduct studies in different
areas of hydrogen energy generation and application.
hydrogen economy
• All industrially advanced countries have adopted national programs for the
development of hydrogen energy and fuel cells. They are financed by
governments of these countries and by private business. The amount of annual
investments in FC technologies and FC-based power plants exceeds $500
mln.
• The most committed countries are the U.S.A., Cana and Japan, where
dynamic research and development are accompanied with actions focusing on
the commercialization of hydrogen technology. A large number of FC-based
power plants with capacities from several Watts to MegaWatts have been put
into operation lately, and their performance clearly demonstrates that they can
easily compete with conventional plants that exploit the traditional process of
fossil fuel combustion.
• Further advancement in the area of FC-based power plants development will
enable us to solve two major tasks: to provide the mankind with renewable
clean energy resources, and to replace or to improve existing systems of
power supply (electricity and heat) to various objects, from mobile telephones,
computers and automobiles to residential houses, large industrial plants and
cities in general.
hydrogen economy
TOTAL CAPACITY OF EXISTING FC-BASED STATIONARY POWER PLANTS
U.S.A.
Japan
Europe
Total
%
450
250
670
1 370
5
PAFC
13 200
10 000
1 000
24 200
75
MCFC
1 250
1 060
2 860
5 170
16
SOFC
500
15
850
1365
4
Total
15 400
11 325
5 380
32 105
100
%
48
35
17
100
FC Type
PEMFC
hydrogen economy
GLOBAL FC MARKET
%
annual
growth
2000/1995
%
annual
growth
2005/2000
1995
2000
2005
1 205
2 440
8 500
15,2
28,4
U.S.A.
355
720
2 500
15,2
28,3
Canada and
Mexico
45
150
575
27,2
30,8
Western Europe
310
600
2 300
14,1
30,8
Japan
360
675
1 950
13,4
23,6
Other Asia and
Pacific
75
195
750
21,1
30,9
Other world
60
100
425
10,8
33,6
Global FC market
hydrogen economy
DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGIES IN RUSSIA
Achievements of our country in the field of FC development are really
unique. We don’t, however, use our potential to the full extent, thus not
only postponing our progress in this promising area but also condemning
ourselves to future dependency on economic and political ambitions of
other countries.
Main factors impeding Russian research and development in the field of
FC and hydrogen energy:
- no national program to promote the development and production of FC
and FC-based power plants;
- no special state funds to finance theoretical and application studies
(previously funded as part of federal space programs);
- ill-equipped industry not ready to produce FC and FC-based power
plants;
- private business not prepared for investing any substantial sums into
research and development;
- no clear and straightforward state policy, and no real support that could
help to create environment-friendly power-saving technology.
hydrogen economy
With purpose to reduce the existing lag in the research and development
of hydrogen energy and FC, and recognizing the exceptional importance
of hydrogen energy industry to the Russian economy, MMC Norilsk
Nickel and Russian Academy of Sciences have agreed to consolidate
their forces in this area. They are going to launch and finance the most
vital theoretical, research, design and experimental projects relating to
FC and FC-based power plants, including the following:
- to lay scientific, technological and engineering grounds for further
promotion of key units, plants and systems on the basis of hydrogen
energy and FC;
to establish cooperation of research institutes and industrial
companies in the field of hydrogen and FC infrastructure development;
- to work out a mechanism of financing which should include private
capital;
- to study the situation on the global markets of FC and FC-based
systems; to identify projects that are the most promising (competitive)
from the viewpoint of large-scale production and marketing;
hydrogen economy
- to organize the production of FC and FC-based systems;
- to draft proposals with regard to the Russian hydrogen infrastructure
and autonomous energy structure based on FC technologies;
- to set up a Russian national program of hydrogen energy
development, and to form bodies that will control and coordinate the
realization of such program;
- draft proposals with regard to the federal budget policy in the area of
hydrogen economy and FC financing;
- to elaborate legal and regulative foundation and a system of national
standards, norms and requirements to the hydrogen energy
infrastructure;
- to enhance public knowledge of hydrogen energy merits and
advantages, to show what benefits it may bring to the Russian
economy, etc.
This plan of action shall envisage the constitution of a Hydrogen Energy
and FC Council with the Russian Academy of Sciences and publishing
of an All-Russian Journal covering hydrogen and FC technologies.
hydrogen economy
Major Russian R&D institutions
working with hydrogen technologies and fuel cells
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC),
catalysts, reforming processes –
hydrocarbon fuel reformers
Novosibirsk
High temperature solid oxide fuel
cells and SOFC power plants
Ekaterinburg
1.
G.K. Boreskov Institute of Catalysis,
Siberian Branch of RAS
2.
Institute of High Temperature
Electrochemistry, Ural Branch of RAS
3.
A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical
Synthesis, RAS
Hydrogen production and purification
Moscow
4.
G.V. Kurdyumov Institute of Metal
Physics and Functional Materials, RAS
Hydrogen storage technology using
metal hydride systems and
nanostructures
Moscow
5.
Institute of Microelectronics Technology
and Ultra-Pure Materials, RAS
FC multi-layer porous silicon membranes
ethnology and silicon catalytic supports
technology for reforming of hydrocarbon
fuels and hydrogen production
6.
A.N. Nesmeyanov Institute of
Organoelement Compounds, RAS
Research and development of
condensate polymer-based high
temperature FC prototypes
7.
Institute of Engineering Science,
Ural Branch of RAS
Integrated systems of hydrogen
production, accumulation, storage
and supply
Chernogolovka, Moscow
region
Moscow
Ekaterinburg
hydrogen economy
1.
2.
3.
Federal State Unitary Enterprize (FSUE)
Ural Electrochemical Integrated Plant
Russian Federal Nuclear Center –
All-Russia Research Institute of
Experimental Physics
(FSUE RFNC - VNIIEF)
Russian Federal Nuclear Center –
E.I. Zababakhin All-Russia Research
Institute of Technical Physics
(FSUE RFNC - VNIITF)
Electrochemical generators
powered by alkaline and proton
exchange membrane FC
(PEMFC)
PEMFC power plants
SOFC power plants
Novouralsk,
Sverdlov region
Sarov,
Nizhniy
Novgorod region
Snezhinsk,
Chelabinsk
region
4.
Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute
Hydrogen production,
accumulation, storage and
supply. SOFC
Moscow
5.
A.I. Leipunsky Physics and Power
Institute State Scientific Center
Solid oxide FC and SOFC power
plants
Obninsk
6.
S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space
Corporation Energia
FC power units for automobile
transport and residential
applications
Special Boiler Design Bureau
FC power plants
7.
Korolev,
Moscow region
Saint-Petersburg
hydrogen economy
Fuel cells
Chemical energy of fuel and oxidizer
Combustion
chamber
Fuel cell
Heat
Turbine or engine
FC is an electrochemical device
in which the energy of fuel and
oxidant continuously supplied to
electrodes is directly converted
into electricity without lowefficient combustion process.
As there is no heat/power
conversion in these devices,
their energy efficiency is much
higher than that of traditional
power units, and can reach 90%.
Mechanical
energy
Electric
generator
Electric current
Chemical energy conversion stages by traditional and electrochemical
methods
hydrogen economy
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
•
•
•
Chemical reactions in FC take place on
special porous electrodes (anode and
cathode) activated by palladium (or other
platinum group metals), where chemical
energy of hydrogen and oxygen is efficiently
converted into electricity.
Hydrogen is
oxidized on the anode and oxygen (or air) is
reduced on the cathode.
Catalyst on the anode speeds up the
oxidation of hydrogen molecules into
hydrogen ions (Н+) and electrons. Hydrogen
ions (protons) pass through the membrane to
the cathode where the catalyst stimulates the
formation of water out of protons, electrons
and oxygen. Free electrons are conducted
through the external circuit to produce
electricity for various applications.
Voltage in a separate FC doesn’t exceed 1,1V.
To achieve the required voltage fuel cells are
consequently combined in stacks, and FC
stacks are connected in parallel to reach the
required capacity. Such stacks together with
gas
distribution
and
thermoregulation
elements form a single unit – a so called
electrochemical generator.
hydrogen economy
•
Types of fuel cells
Waste from
anode
Waste from
cathode
•
•
•
Oxidizer (air)
to anode
Fuel to anode
Anode
Electrolyte
material
Cathode
Electrochemical reaction in different types of FC
•
There are several types of fuel cells. They are
usually differentiated by the type of fuel used,
operating pressure and temperature, area of
application.
In the most wide-spread FC classification they
are distinguished by the type of electrolyte
material used as a medium for the internal
transfer of ions (protons). The type of
electrolyte
determines
the
operating
temperature on which the type of catalyst
depends.
The choice of fuel and oxidant for any FC
depends on their electrochemical activity (that
is, the speed of electrode reaction), cost, and
easiness of fuel and oxidant delivery and
removal of reaction by-products.
The main source of FC fuel is hydrogen, but
fuel conversion process allows to recover
hydrogen from other materials like methanol,
natural gas, oil, etc.
Unlike batteries and traditional cells Fuel Cells
cannot be exhausted. They require a refill of
fuel such as hydrogen gas or liquid methanol
in order to keep operating, but no
“recharging”.
hydrogen economy
Alkaline
Electrolyte
FC (AFC)
The electrolyte in this fuel cell is concentrated (85 wt.) potassium hydroxide (KOH) in high
temperature cells (~250ºC), or less concentrated (35-50 wt.) KOH for lower temperature (<120ºC)
operation. In mid-1960s they were used for the Buran and Shuttle space vehicles. However, they
have had relatively little success in terrestrial applications due to the high cost of producing
high purity fuel and oxidiser streams, plus corrosion problems. Typical efficiency is 60%.
Proton
Exchange
Membrane
FC (PEMFC)
The electrolyte in this fuel cell is a solid polymer membrane (thin plastic film) that is an excellent ion
(proton) conductor. High current density in these cells means low weight, volume and cost. Solid
electrolyte makes easier the process of sealing in the FC production, reduces corrosion and provides
longer service life. Low operating temperature (below 100˚C) facilitates start-up and reaction to power
requirements. These FC are ideal for transport vehicles and small-scale stationary applications.
Phosphoric
Acid
Electrolyte
FC (PAFC)
The electrolyte in this fuel cell is 100% concentrated phosphoric acid retained in a matrix which is
usually silicon carbide. PAFCs were the first to reach commercialization. Applications: stationary power
plants in houses, hotels, hospitals, airports. Their efficiency exceeds 40% and may reach 85% when the
by-product steam is used (compared to just 30% efficiency of any internal combustion engine).
Molten
Carbonate
Electrolyte
FC (MCFC)
Solid Oxide
Electrolyte
FC
(SOFC)
The electrolyte in this fuel cell is usually a combination of alkali carbonates, such as Na and K, which is
retained in a ceramic matrix of LiAlO2. The fuel cell operates at about 600 to 700ºC thus allowing to use
fuel directly, without any additional processing, and Ni may be used as a catalyst. MCFCs offer higher
electrical efficiencies than PAFCs at around 60% plus the possibility of cogeneration (water heating)
which makes overall efficiencies of 80% feasible. Reaction to any changes in the power requirement is
slow, this is why they are suitable for applications where high power is needed constantly. At present
there are numerous demonstration plants in the U.S.A. and Japan. One of American plants has a
capacity of 1.8 MW.
The electrolyte in this fuel cell is a solid, nonporous metal oxide, usually Y2O3-stabilised ZrO2. Cells
operate at 650 to 1000ºC where efficient conduction of anode seeking oxygen ions takes
place. Operating temperatures are high enough to allow internal reforming and promote rapid kinetics
with non precious materials. They are suitable for use in stationary power plants of large and very
large scale. Overall efficiency is about 60%.
hydrogen economy
Motor vehicles
FUEL CELLS APPLICATION
Buses, trucks,
dump-trucks
Utility service
Houses and city
blocks, small
settlements,
villages
Railway transport
- shunting (50-100
kW), from 10 up to
100 vehicles per
year;
- main line (1,0004,000 kW), from 25
up to 200 vehicles
per year
FC-based power
plants may provide:

W –10,000 kW
electric power;

W – 10,000 kW
heat

Drinking water up
to 250 g/kW/hour
Water transport
(land and
sea based)
Portable power units
(villages,
detached
houses, farms)
At gas/oil fields,
geologic parties
(100-500 kW, 50-500
settlements per year)
Drill rigs
River and sea
cabotage vessels
Agriculture
Remote settlements
Mobile phones,
computers, home
electronic
appliances, etc.
Cathode protection,
measuring,
telecommunications
2-5 kW units for gas
pipelines, 100-200
units per year
Chemical industry
With H-containing
by-products