Fuel Cells
GnoSys expertise in fuel cells has developed from collaborative
links with Industry and the University of Surrey, and its Fuel Cell testing facilities
have facilitated successful projects through the DTI and EPSRC as well as market
leading companies such as Johnson Matthey FC and ICI Imagedata. GnoSys, with its
diverse skill set, works closely with clients in a variety of roles ranging from
consultancy to running research programs or providing analytical services to establish
knowledge and understanding in linking structure and physical properties to fuel
cell performance.
Facilities
GnoSys has a variety of in-house tools as well as utilising the facilities available
at the University of Surrey:
- Spectroscopic analysis: IR, Raman, UV, NMR, XPS
- Microscopy techniques: TEM, SEM, EDAX, AFM
- Thermal and mechanical: DSC, TGA, DMA
- Test: Mini Fuel cell rig, Dielectric spectrometer, BET
Electrode Assembly
The Electrode Assembly (EA) is the crux of the fuel cell: it is where the electrolyte,
catalyst and electrodes connect and understanding and optimising this area is integral
to maximising the performance of any fuel cells performance. Despite the large amount
of research conducted on the EA it is still a complicated and multi-disciplinary
area requiring chemists, electrochemists, engineers as well as catalyst and materials
specialists. GnoSys can complement client companies’ skill base to increase control
and understanding of this critical area whether it be in the research and development
stage, manufacturing or product failure.
Hydration
Control of hydration is vital to the classic PEMFC MEA. The conductivity of the
membrane is related to the mobility of protons, which in turn correlates to the
water content and state: poor hydration can lead to low conductivity and hot spots;
conversely, excess water can cause flooding as well as increasing cross-over leading
to loss of efficiency and in cases durability. GnoSys have pioneered simple rapid
techniques to track these parameters.
Material Properties
The mechanical properties of fuel cell components such as membranes, bipolar plates
and electrodes can vary drastically not only between samples but at varying temperatures
and hydration as well as being affected by casting and annealing processing techniques.
GnoSys can provide detailed analysis of the thermal and mechanical properties using
methodologies such as DSC, TGA and TMA and supplying relevant information for research
and Quality Assurance (QA).
Conductivity
The use of dielectric instruments can give rapid information with respect of the
Fuel Cells e.g. conductivity, impedance and dissipation factor, as a realistic equivalent
circuit to time consuming in-situ Fuel Cell testing.
Durability and Lifetime
The long term performance of fuel cells is imperative to consumer needs and therefore
commercialisation. Understanding degradation mechanisms, the causes and researching
solutions is a fundamental area of research. In-situ lifetime tests requiring many
thousands of hours equipment usage and tracking should be a final stage, not the
norm. The rational design and use of rapid degradation tests and monitoring can
reveal meaningful data much more rapidly when screening many samples.
Gas Flow
GnoSys is investigating methods for looking at oxygen concentration in model fuel
cells in order to validate models of gas flows and interactions.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MVSA)
MVSA techniques are statistical methods for examining large bodies of data and extracting
knowledge. For example, when examining PEMFC – pre-use, fabricated, or post-mortem
– by Raman spectroscopy, the methodology uses all the spectral information available
and enables the extraction of relevant information by regression of the spectral
data against the property data of interest, revealing trends often missed by simple
analysis. This can allow rapid definition of the relevant features to properties
of interest. It can also be used as a means of predicting and analysing properties
in a non destructive method if a ‘calibration’ database can be built. Classic areas
of interest include conductivity, water-uptake and state, mechanical strength, durability
and lifetime, degradation mechanisms and migration effects.
The GnoSys Approach
We understand it is vital for businesses to get quick results and, from this, the
maximum possible information. We look for powerful methods of testing the various
properties, so that large sample numbers can be rapidly screened efficiently for
step and investigating product failure. We believe that through tools such as MVSA
we can help you build a much broader picture, linking the essential molecular and
physical characteristics to fuel cell performance.
Funding
The current global drive towards commercialising fuel cells has opened numerous
funding avenues to assist businesses. Both Government and EU directives have led
to calls through the BERR and FP7, with funds available for collaborators in the
area of research for materials and processes for Fuel Cells. GnoSys has many years
experience successfully gaining funding through proposals and collaborations, and
are willing to assist in the writing of proposals.