2-Propanol Fuel Cell System

Braun K, Mahayni Y, Thiele S, Weiß L, Wensing M (2023)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2023

Event location: Luzern

Abstract

2-Propanol/acetone is a promising liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system for fuel cell reactions. It is based on a two-step cycle consisting of loading of the LOHC molecule (in this case acetone) with hydrogen and subsequently releasing hydrogen through an endothermic catalytic dehydrogenation process from the 2-Propanol. In a fuel cell system, the dehydrogenation process can take place directly in the fuel cell or in a preceding step. Not only is the technical feasibility of such a system important, e.g. having appropriate materials and being able to control the reaction, but also the energy efficiency, i.e., whether the system is self-sustaining. Since the dehydrogenation process is endothermic, heat must be added. To optimize the system efficiency excess heat from other system components such as the fuel cell can be integrated. In a previous publication [1], different concepts of balance of plant for the electrification of 2-propanol were analyzed and compared. Of all the concepts studied, the electrochemical dehydrogenation unit (EDU) combined with a high temperature fuel cell seems to be the one with the highest thermodynamic and technical feasibility. Further research showed the technical feasibility of electrochemical dehydrogenation in liquid phase. The lower temperature of the EDU allows the use of a low temperature fuel cell as a heat source. Based on that concept, we further analyzed the system behavior by varying operation parameters. The results show high sensitivity to fuel conversion level and high sensitivity to water management in the EDU system. With recirculation of the water in the anode path of the EDU, the whole system efficiency can be improved. Apart from the system design, we give an outlook to a new way of efficiency definition. With this work, a major step is taken in the system design of a 2-propanol fuel cell system.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Braun, K., Mahayni, Y., Thiele, S., Weiß, L., & Wensing, M. (2023). 2-Propanol Fuel Cell System. In Proceedings of the EFCF 2023: Low-Temp. Fuel Cells, Electrolysers & H2 Processing. Luzern, CH.

MLA:

Braun, Katharina, et al. "2-Propanol Fuel Cell System." Proceedings of the EFCF 2023: Low-Temp. Fuel Cells, Electrolysers & H2 Processing, Luzern 2023.

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