Lab Name: Fuel Energy and Environment

Experiment Title: Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Grading
Obtained Marks:
Total Marks:

Lab Report

Submitted By: Group No:01

Name Registration No.
Ahmad Kamal Shaheryar 11-3-1-003-2021
Ali Ahmad Yousaf 11-3-1-005-2021
Muhammad Azfer Riaz 11-3-1-026-2021
Anas Ali 11-3-1-024-2021
Mariyam Lateef 11-3-1-018-2021

Department of Chemical Engineering

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
 Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents.........................................................................................................................1
List Of Figures: ............................................................................................................................2
List Of Table ................................................................................................................................3
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................5
1. Background ...............................................................................................................................5
2. Objectives: ................................................................................................................................5
Materials and Methods .....................................................................................................................6
1. Experimental Setup: ..................................................................................................................6
2. Start Up and Shut Down Procedure: .........................................................................................6
3. Procedure: .................................................................................................................................7
4. Safety Precautions:....................................................................................................................7
5. Observations and Calculations: .................................................................................................8
6. Sample Calculation: ..................................................................................................................8
Results and Discussion .................................................................................................................8
1. Results:......................................................................................................................................8
2. Discussion: ................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................9
References ..................................................................................................................................10

1
 List of Figures:
Figure 1: Hydrogen fuel cell Apparatus .......................................................................................... 6

2
 List of Table
Table 1: Observation Table for Hydrogen fuel cell ........................................................................ 8

3
 Abstract
The goal of the Fuel Energy Environment course's hydrogen fuel cell experiment was to give
students a thorough understanding of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The experiment's main goal
was to illustrate the fundamentals of electrochemical processes in fuel cells and highlight the
technology's potential as a sustainable and clean energy source. A stack of hydrogen fuel cells,
gas supply systems, pressure regulators, and instruments for measuring voltage and current were
all part of the configuration. Students investigated steady-state functioning, followed a startup
protocol, and adjusted the load to assess fuel cell performance throughout the experiment.
Environmental conditions, gas flow rates, and electrical output were all included in the data
collection process. The outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness and possible advantages of
using hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity, highlighting its significance in the quest for.

Keywords: Hydrogen fuel cell, regulator, electricity

4
 Introduction
1. Background

A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy stored in hydrogen into electrical
energy through an electrochemical reaction. The basic principle of a hydrogen fuel cell involves
the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as the by-
products. The overall reaction is as follows:
2𝐻₂ + 𝑂₂ → 𝐻₂𝑂
The key components of a hydrogen fuel cell include:
Anode: At the anode, hydrogen gas (2𝐻₂) is introduced and split into protons (H+) and electrons
(eˉ). The protons move through an electrolyte to the cathode.
Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a substance that allows the flow of ions (protons in this case) but
not electrons. It separates the anode and cathode compartments, preventing direct contact
between hydrogen and oxygen.
Cathode: At the cathode, oxygen gas (𝑂₂) is introduced, and it combines with protons and
electrons that have traveled through the electrolyte, forming water (𝐻₂𝑂)
Electrical Circuit: The electrons, which cannot pass through the electrolyte, are forced to travel
through an external electrical circuit, creating an electric current that can be used to power
electrical devices.
The main advantages of hydrogen fuel cells include their high energy efficiency, low emissions
(the only byproducts are water and heat), and the potential for using hydrogen as a clean and
renewable energy carrier. Hydrogen fuel cells are being explored and developed for various
applications, including transportation (such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles), stationary power
generation, and portable electronic devices. However, challenges such as hydrogen production,
storage, and infrastructure need to be addressed for widespread adoption. Research and
development efforts are ongoing to enhance the efficiency and practicality of hydrogen fuel cell
technology.

2. Objectives:
 To familiarize students with the principles of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
 To demonstrate the process of energy conversion in a hydrogen fuel cell.
 To analyze the efficiency and environmental benefits of using hydrogen fuel cells.

5
 Figure 1: Hydrogen fuel cell Apparatus

Materials and Methods

1. Experimental Setup:
The following equipment’s are used in the experiment.
1. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack
2. Gas Supply System
3. Pressure Regulators
4. Electrolyte Solution
5. Voltage and Current Meters
6. Air velocity meter
7. Pressure gauge
8. Load Resistor

Figure 1 shows the hydrogen fuel cell apparatus and the table 1 show the observations and the
calculations.

2. Start Up and Shut Down Procedure:

Start Up Procedure:
1. Inspect all gas lines, connectors, and electrical connections for any signs of damage
or leakage.
2. Connect the hydrogen and oxygen gas supplies to the respective anode and cathode
inlets.
3. Set the pressure regulators to the recommended levels.

6
 4. Fill the fuel cell stack with the appropriate electrolyte solution according to the
manufacturer's guidelines.
5. Fill the fuel cell stack with the appropriate electrolyte solution according to the
manufacturer's guidelines.
6. Purge the system with a small flow of hydrogen to remove any air pockets.
7. Start the Fuel Cell

Shut Down Procedure:

1. Gradually reduce the flow of hydrogen and oxygen gases.
2. Switch off the power supply to the voltage and current meters.
3. Store all components in a clean and organized manner for the next use.

3. Procedure:
1. After the apparatus was turned on, the hydrogen and oxygen gas supplies were
connected to the respective anode and cathode inlets.
2. The pressure regulator was adjusted.
3. The load switch was set on level 1 and 2 after specific time intervals for readings
4. The power supply was turned on to the voltage and current meters.
5. Purge the system with a small flow of hydrogen to remove any air pockets.
6. Gradually increase the hydrogen flow rate while monitoring the voltage and current.
Note the initial readings.
7. The air flow rate was varied with load regulator level increased to monitor the change in
current and voltage along with temperature.
8. The data was recorded on electrical output, gas flow rates and hydrogen flow rate basis.

4. Safety Precautions:
1. Maintain precise pressure control for accurate measurements.
2. Use clean, uncontaminated samples and equipment.
3. Adhere to manufacturer's instructions and relevant standards.
4. Use lab PPEs.

7
 5. Observations and Calculations:

Table 1: Observation Table for Viscosity

Sr. Load Temperature Temperature Current Voltage Flow rate of

No. no. (C) (C) (A) (V) H₂
(inlet) (outlet) (lpm)
i. 1 14.7 16.2 0 15.3 2.495
ii. 1 14.8 16.1 0.7 11.5 1.53
iii. 2 14.8 16.1 2 10.6 1.472

iv. 3 15.1 19 1.8 10.7 1.406

v. 3 19.4 21 0.7 11.6 1.323

vi. 3 21.6 23 0.8 11.4 1.002

6. Sample Calculation:
P= V×I
P= 10.6×2
P=21.2W

Results and Discussion

1. Results:
The maximum power of the 𝐻₂ fuel cell was obtained at load 2 which became the optimum value
for our result, after that, our power, current and voltage decreased. The maximum power at this
load was 21.2 W. The Value of current was zero at start and later on increased at load 1, at the
same time the voltage decreased with increase in current value. The current value increased upto
a certain limit, which was at load 2 and the flow rate of 𝐻₂ was 1.472. After shifting to load 3,
there was a drastic decline in the flow rate of 𝐻₂ along with decreasing value output of current
and increasing value of voltage. The experiment also showed as the 𝐻₂ fuel burned, there was a
slight increase in temperature of inlet and outlet temperature unlike the temperature increase in
combustion processes.

8
 2. Discussion:
In the context of a hydrogen fuel cell experiment, the interplay between voltage, current, and the
flow rate of 𝐻₂fuel is crucial for understanding the device's performance. These relationships are
often depicted graphically through polarization curves, which illustrate the variation in voltage
with respect to current.
Initially, at low current levels or during open-circuit conditions, the voltage tends to be relatively
high. As the experiment progresses and current increases, the voltage experiences a decline due
to factors like activation losses, Ohmic losses, and concentration losses within the fuel cell. The
polarization curve typically exhibits a distinctive "knee" point, representing the maximum power
output. Beyond this threshold, further increases in current result in a more rapid decrease in
voltage.
Regarding the flow rate of 𝐻₂ fuel, augmenting it generally leads to an increase in current and
power output, by decreasing flow rate up to a certain optimum flow rate. Beyond this point, the
positive impact on performance diminishes, and excessive flow rates may result in inefficient
utilization of the fuel. The role of the load resistor in the external circuit is noteworthy.
Manipulating the load resistor affects the current flow through the fuel cell and consequently
influences power output. According to Ohm's Law, an increase in load resistor leads to a
decrease in current and an increase in voltage across the load resistor. The pivotal point for
maximizing power output occurs when the internal resistance of the fuel cell aligns with the
resistance of the load resistor, facilitating optimal power transfer. The power was 100 Watt in all
the cases. It remained constant.
It's important to note that while a higher load resistor may elevate voltage, it also reduces
current. The net effect on power output depends on the specific characteristics of the fuel cell.
Striking a balance and identifying the optimal conditions, such as the appropriate flow rate of H2
and the ideal load resistor, are crucial aspects in maximizing the efficiency and performance of a
hydrogen fuel cell experiment.

9
 Conclusion

The hydrogen fuel cell experiment yielded valuable insights into the operation and potential
applications of this promising technology. The electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell
demonstrated the efficient conversion of chemical energy into electrical power. The variation in
load allowed for a detailed analysis of the fuel cell's performance under different operating
conditions. The collected data showcased the stable and consistent output of the fuel cell,
underscoring its viability as a sustainable energy source. Overall, this experiment provided
students with a hands-on experience that reinforced the significance of hydrogen fuel cells in the
transition towards a cleaner and more environmentally responsible energy landscape. The
knowledge gained from this experiment serves as a solid foundation for further exploration and
research in the field of alternative energy technologies.

10
 References

1. Science Buddies. (2008, June 9). Fuel Cells—Fueling the Future! Science Buddies;
Science Buddies.
2. LabVolt Series by Festo Didactic - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training System (8010- 80) 2023,
Festo.com, viewed 13 December 2023

11