NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
High Energy Efficiency and High Power Density Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Electrode Kinetics and Mass TransportThe development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plants with high energy efficiencies and high power densities is gaining momentum because of the vital need of such high levels of performance for extraterrestrial (space, underwater) and terrestrial (power source for electric vehicles) applications. Since 1987, considerable progress has been made in achieving energy efficiencies of about 60 percent at a current density of 200 mA/sq cm and high power densities (greater than 1 W/sq cm) in PEM fuel cells with high (4 mg/sq cm) or low (0.4 mg/sq cm) platinum loadings in electrodes. The following areas are discussed: (1) methods to obtain these high levels of performance with low Pt loading electrodes - by proton conductor impregnation into electrodes, localization of Pt near front surface; (2) a novel microelectrode technique which yields electrode kinetic parameters for oxygen reduction and mass transport parameters; (3) demonstration of lack of water transport from anode to cathode; (4) modeling analysis of PEM fuel cell for comparison with experimental results and predicting further improvements in performance; and (5) recommendations of needed research and development for achieving the above goals.
Document ID
19910023244
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Supramaniam Srinivasan
(Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States)
Omourtag A Velev
(Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States)
Arvind Parthasathy
(Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States)
David J Manko
(Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States)
A John Appleby
(Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Power Sources: Proceedings of the Third Space Electrochemical Research and Technology Conference
Publisher: Elsevier
Volume: 36
Issue: 3
Issue Publication Date: December 1, 1991
ISSN: 0378-7753
e-ISSN: 1873-2755
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: 3rd Space Electrochemical Research and Technology (SERT) Conference
Location: Cleveland, OH
Country: US
Start Date: April 9, 1991
End Date: April 10, 1991
Sponsors: Lewis Research Center
Accession Number
91N32558
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Document Inquiry

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available