Operating behavior and scale-up of an ECPrOx unit for CO removal from reformate for PEM fuel cell application

authored by

Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach, Christine Weinzierl, Mykhaylo Krasnyk, Liisa Rihko-Struckmann, Hui Lu, Kai Sundmacher

Abstract

Recently, an approach involving electrochemical preferential oxidation (ECPrOx) of CO was suggested as having the potential to replace the PrOx concept for deep CO removal from reformate gas in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The first part of this paper deals with the characterization of such an ECPrOx unit from a reaction engineering point of view. Based on a spatially lumped, isothermal model, the qualitative selectivity-conversion behavior is discussed for varying feed flow rates and CO inlet mole fractions. A simple two-phase mechanism is suggested that explains the findings. The second part of the contribution considers qualitative questions on cascading of two ECPrOx reactors. The crucial importance of the configuration of their electrical connection is demonstrated and explained. While two cells connected electrically in parallel exhibit almost the same selectivity-conversion behavior in comparison with a single cell, an electrical series connection enables a considerable increase in the selectivity at the same CO conversion.

External Organisation(s)

Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems
Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg

Type

Article

Journal

Journal of the Electrochemical Society

Volume

2009

Pages

B1267-B1275

ISSN

0013-4651

Publication date

2009

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Surfaces, Coatings and Films, Electrochemistry, Materials Chemistry

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1149/1.3196244 (Access: Unknown)