Power Plant Engineering

2.22.2 FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
Fuel cells produce electricity from an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
Fuel cells are efficient, environmentally benign and reliable for power production. The use of fuel cells
has been demonstrated for stationary/portable power generation and other applications. Ministry of
Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) has taken up projects on different types of fuel cells through
various organizations. These projects have led to the development of prototypes of fuel cells, materials/
catalysts and components for fuel cell systems. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) stacks have been
developed and demonstrated for decentralized power production. Under a project funded by MNES, a
50 kW (2 × 25 kW) PAFC power plant has been developed and tested by BHEL, Hyderabad for distrib-
uted power generation.
As per part of an R&D project funded by the Government, the SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai,
had developed an improved version of 5 kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PERM) fuel cell module and
successfully demonstrated its use for on-site power generation and vehicular propulsion. Efforts were
on to develop durable ion-exchange membranes and establish performance and reliability of systems.
The Central electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi has developed a small Mol-
ten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) stack. The Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI),
kolkatta is developing a 1 kW solid Oxide fuel Cell (SOFC) power pack. Under an R&D project funded
by MNES, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, will construct a 100-watt liquid-feed solid
polymer electrolyte direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras,
Chennai in collaboration with SPIC Science Foundation is also working on a project of Chemical Tech-
nology. BHEL and Indian Institute Of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad have developed cata-
lysts and reformers for reformation methanol into hydrogen for fuel cells.
A PEMFC-based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system to deliver single-phase AC power at
220 volts, 50 Hertz has been developed and demonstrated by SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai. This
system has been sent to Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai for testing/demonstration.
SPIC Science Foundation has identified a number of polymers under an R&D project and stud-
ied their suitability as electrolytes for fuel cells. Modified nation membranes have been developed for
high temperature applications. By incorporating a suitable reinforcing agent, the mechanical strength of
films of block polymers f polystyrene has been improved. Membranes of up to 100 sq. cm area have
been made.
The National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, has carried out literature survey on various
types of polymeric membranes for PEMFC and procured important patents and reprints of relevant
work. They have selected suitable monomers and synthetic strategies on the basis of anticipated trans-
port behavior of protons. NCL has also synthesized different proton conducting polymers such as
polyamides, polybenzimidazoles and surface fictionalized polymers using surface fictionalization. Mem-
brane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for fuel cell stack have been prepared. The fabrication of a proto-
type using MEAs is in progress.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai and SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai are
jointly implementing a project for optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack design
using advanced computational techniques. Preliminary modeling work has commenced.
The application of fuel cells has already been demonstrated for small-scale power generation and
for operating an electric vehicle. It is proposed to take up projects and activities related to demonstration
and testing of fuel cell systems in field conditions. Information/date/experience generated on the per-
formance of fuel cells in field conditions will help in improving the performance of components and
systems for greater reliability. MNES proposes to initiate Technology Mission of Fuel Cells during the
Tenth Plan.

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POWER PLANT ENGINEERING