Improvement of fuel cell efficiency by inlet actuations

In the present days where the need for energy in our daily life is ever growing, and the fast depleting of fossil fuel (main energy source) couple with the serious environmental effect it bring with it, an alternative ‘clean energy is needed. Fuel cell can carry out electrochemical reaction by taking in Hydrogen as a fuel source, and oxygen from the atmosphere as reactant, to supply electric energy. Fuel cell has no moving parts which simplifies the manufacturing process and also will allow the cells to have longer operational periods. Since the output of an ideal fuel cell is pure water, the emissions are extremely low, makes them a good solution. This project focuses on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell uses a thin, permeable polymeric membrane as the electrolyte and platinum electrodes are used on either side of the membrane in order to catalyse the reaction. Compared to other electrolytes (require up to 1,000°C to operate effectively) PEMFCs operate at very low temperatures of about 80°C allowing rapid start-up. In addition, PEM fuel cells are often compact and lightweight units, hence, PEM units tend to be the best candidates for cars, buildings and smaller stationary applications. This project is to conduct an experimental study to investigate the possibility of improving the fuel cell efficiency through the oxygen supply inlet. An apparatus with a wind channel was designed and experimented on with fuel cell to monitor the performance of the fuel cell, vary under difference air supply conditions. One of the parameter been varied is the volume flow rate of the air supply. Process like sonochemistry is studied in order to research on how these technologies can be applied on fuel cell, to improve its performance. More research and further experiment can be carried out to monitor the performance of the fuel cell under difference conditions. Research on and development should be carried out on the feasibility of sonochemistry on fuel cell.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering