Overview
Fuel cell are considered to be an ideal choice for power generation as the green house gas emission issues are considerably reduced.PEM Fuel cells are ideally suited for decentralized power generation due to their fast start up, modular nature and low start up temperature. The technological challenges include developing high performance fuel cell stacks and BoP components like the power conditioners, thermal management system etc. The successful commercialization of Fuel cell technologies requires steady hydrogen supply and development automated methods for key components fabrication. One of the aspects that is proposed to be undertaken is improved manufacturing methods . Rapid prototyping or Additive manufacturing has been considered in this project as the conventional methods of making the fuel cells is lengthy with lot of wastage.
Key Features
- Developed Grid Independent fuel cell systems in the range of 1-20kW power.
- PEM Fuel cells developed have been continuously operated for 500 hrs and intermittently for several thousand hours with stable performance.
- Suitable control systems for load following cycle, cell monitoring characteristics, power conditioners and thermal management have been developed.
Potential Applications
- As decentralised power pack for homes, industries etc.
- As combined heat and power units for homes
- As uninterrupted power source even when the power outage is for long duration ( >8hrs)
- As back up power for telecom industries.
Status
- Scaled-up from single cell to stack and prototype system developed and demonstrated
- Performance was tested for extended duration at laboratory and industrial environment
Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)
Level
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10
Description
Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
Shortlisting possible applications
Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Coupon level testing in simulated conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Prototype testing in real-life conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial)
Initiate technology transfer
Support in stabilizing production
Status
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles | Shortlisting possible applications | Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application | Coupon level testing in simulated conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Prototype testing in real-life conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) | Initiate technology transfer | Support in stabilizing production |
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For more details on Intellectual Property Development Indices, Click here
- Sreeraj P, Raman Vedarajan, N.Rajalakshmi, Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan, Screening of Recycled Membrane with Crystallinity as a Fundamental Property, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
- An Improved Test Control System useful For Fuel Cell Stack Monitoring and Controlling, K.S. Dhathathreyan,N. Rajalakshmi, Indian Patent application no. 269/DEL/2013
- A Method of Preparation of Supported Platinum Nano Particle Catalyst in Tubular Flow Reactor Via Polyol Process, K S Dhathathreyan, N Rajalakshmi, K N M Krishna, 1571/DEL/2013
- S. Pandiyan, K. Jayakumar, N. Rajalakshmi and K. S. Dhathathreyan, "Thermal and Electrical Energy Management in a PEMFC Stack - An Analytical Approach", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 51(3-4), p 469-473, 2008