The design and initial characterization of a solar-powered high-pressure hydrogen fueling system for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are described. The system was designed, built, and tested as a 'proof of concept' for renewable, distributed hydrogen production and serves as a model system for testing the concept of a home fueling system for FCEVs. It consists of two basic parts: 1) a high-efficiency solar photovoltaic system (PV system) built using commercially available PV modules, and 2) a novel, high-pressure electrolyzer for producing hydrogen from water, in which the high pressure hydrogen was derived solely from electrolysis (no compressor). In addition, the system included a high-pressure storage tank and a dispenser coupled to the electrolyzer for FCEV fueling; this total unit is referred to as the electrolyzer/storage/dispensing (ESD) system. The system operation resulted in a successful proof of concept for the idea of a solar powered FCEV fueling station and the concept of electrolytic home fueling for FCEVs. In particular, the system reached the design goal for high pressure (6,500 psi) and produced approximately 0.7 kg of hydrogen on part of a winter day in Southeastern Michigan. For an average day in the Detroit area (solar insolation of 4.2 kW h/m), with the system running over the whole solar day, and with a fully warmed-up electrolyzer, the system will reach its design goal of producing approximately 0.5 kg of high-pressure hydrogen per day. This is enough hydrogen to drive an FCEV that gets 60 miles/kg for a distance of 30 miles - an average daily commute. In areas with more solar insolation than Detroit, such as in the South and Western U.S., even more hydrogen would be produced by this solar hydrogen fueler. During the initial testing period, several minor nuisance problems were encountered with the ESD portion of the system, and one larger equipment flaw led to the failure of an elastomeric hose. Most of the problems were easily corrected during the test period. A plan has free developed to correct the remaining problems, including installation of hoses made of a more robust material in the ESD, and then to resume testing an improved system during warmer weather conditions, which should lead to even higher system efficiencies than observed during the initial testing.


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    Title :

    A solar-powered, high-efficiency hydrogen fueling system using high-pressure electrolysis of water: Design and initial results


    Contributors:
    Kelly, N. (author) / Gibson, T. (author) / Ouwerkerk, D. (author)


    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    4 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 6 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English