Air-breathing PEM fuel cell stack

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Hydrogen
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 4 - Early prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)

A complete value chain of green hydrogen mobility is demonstrated, including green hydrogen production storage and utilisation in mobile applications. Green hydrogen is produced from solar electricity using an alkaline electrolyser at 30 bar, which is further compressed to 150 bar for dispensing. Hydrogen is dispensed at 150 bar through a quick coupling system. An electric scooter is retrofitted, replacing the Li-ion battery with an air-breathing PEM fuel cell stack. A PEM fuel cell stack is developed with an active area of 150 cm2. A total of nineteen cells was used to develop a 600 W (@ 55 A) forced air-breathing fuel cell stack.

Salient Features/Advantages

  • Electrolyser of the capacity of 500 L per hour hydrogen production is used in combination with 7.5 kWp solar panel
  • Flow field designed for 100 cm2 active area
  • Gasket dispensing with optimum thickness
  • A nineteen-cells fuel cell stack is assembled
  • Total power ~ 600 W @ 55 A with air (oxidant)

Key Outcomes

  • A hydrogen dispensing unit suitable of dispensing at 150 Bar
  • An air-breathing fuel cell stack for scooter
  • Balance of plant for fuel cell stack
  • Metallic bipolar plate suitable for lightweight fuel cell stack

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): Nil
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Nil

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Prof. Prakash C Ghosh
  • Email ID: pcghosh@iitb.ac.in
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

Zest Clean Power Pvt. Ltd

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