Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-91). Also available online in Scholars' Bank.

The applications of polyaniline (PAni) for use as electrolyte in Polymer-Electrolyte-Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) were investigated. P Ani was dissolved in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), cast as Emeraldine Base membranes (EB) and then doped with halide acids. The proton conductivity was measured according to Hittorf. The chloride ion distribution within the membrane was evaluated using energy-dispersive-X-ray analysis (EDX) and photometric analysers and the diffusion coefficient was calculated. The specific resistance was determined using conventional 4-point measurement. Halide doped membranes were found to be proton conducting, however, during cell operation halide removal occurred causing a rapid decline in the cell performance. The maximum power density achieved was O.3m W·cm-2 for a 70J.1m thick membrane saturate with chloride between 3,5 and 4,5mgchloride per gPAni. Composite membranes with phosphotungstic acid (PWA), antimonic acid (AA) and zirconium phosphate (ZP) were developed and also tested in a standard measuring fuel cell. While membranes produced via ion exchange (ZP) showed the same result like halide doped ones, AA composite membranes showed a stable voltage and current results. The highest measured outcome of 373.3mW·cm-2 was found with a PWA membrane, produced through dispersing 3g of phosphotungstic acid in 300ml of a 1% polyanilinelNMP solution. It was also observed, that the higher power density was obtained from the fuel cell which uses the lower-loaded membrane. It is clear that a positive effect on the cell performance is given by the addition of phosphotungstic acid to the polyaniline membrane. Therefore, the saturation of PW A have to be taken into account to not lower the power density.

This thesis concerns the design, implementation and operation of a hydrogen energy storage facility that has been added to an existing renewable energy system at West Beacon Farm, Leicestershire, UK. The hydrogen system consists of an electrolyser, a pressurised gas store and fuel cells. At times of surplus electrical supply, the electrolyser converts electrical energy into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen. This hydrogen is stored until there is a shortage of electrical energy to power the loads on the system, at which point it is reconverted back to electricity by the process of reverse-electrolysis that takes place within a fuel cell. The renewable energy sources, supplying electrical power to domestic and office loads at the site, are photovoltaic, wind and micro-hydroelectric. This work is being carried out through a project, conceived and overseen by the author, known as the Hydrogen and Renewables Integration (HARI) project. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate and gain experience in the integration of hydrogen energy storage with renewable energy systems and, most importantly, to develop software models that could be used for the design of future systems of this type in a range of applications. Effective models have been created and verified against the real-world operation of the system. These models have been largely completed, although some minor details remain unfinished as the are dependant upon studies linked to this one which are yet to be concluded. Subject to some fine tuning that this would entail, then, the models can be used to design a stand-alone, integrated hydrogen and renewable energy system, where only the load profile and weather conditions of a site are known. Significant practical experience has been gained through the design, installation and two years' of operation of the system. Many important insights have been obtained in relation to the integration of the system and the design and operation of its components.

The subject of this graduation thesis is low-cost alkaline power cells and especially electrodes with alternative catalyst made of MnOx + dopant. The thesis expands the bachelor´s thesis [1] and previous research [4] [12] [13] [14]. Volt-ampere characteristics and power characteristics of the katodes for AFC, subsidized with various dopants, are the outcome of this project. The project presents the optimalisation of preparation process of AFC electrodes. The aim is to prepair several electrodes with identical construction, which varies only with the type of the dopant.

Este trabalho apresenta a contribuição obtida no desenvolvimento de um Gerador de Eletricidade Híbrido (HYBRIDGEN), com tecnologia nacional, focado nos sistemas de terceira geração de energia elétrica híbrido, composto por um módulo de células a combustível tipo PEMFC, associado a um acumulador chumbo ácido. Mostra-se também a sua capacidade de operar em modo contínuo, carga com demanda variável e fator de carga inferior a 50%. Foram abordados quatro temas principais. O primeiro refere-se a um estudo para a melhoria da eficácia na conversão de energia em corrente contínua (cc), ao regular o potencial de saída do conversor cc-cc. A energia é proveniente do módulo de célula a combustível de 1 kWe, equipado com sistema térmico de refrigeração e sistema de alimentação de gases, aqui denominados MCC1. Para tal, foi construído o modelo matemático do sistema conversor de corrente contínua (sistema conversor cc-cc), com solução suportada em equações diferenciais algébricas, ensaios no MCC1, bem como em simulação computacional no programa MATLAB7®. O segundo tema refere-se ao desenvolvimento do projeto e montagem do protótipo do HYBRIDGEN devido à inexistência no mercado brasileiro de um equipamento com as características necessárias tanto para a pesquisa, quanto para uso comercial. Desenvolveu-se uma placa controladora para o acumulador (PCC), os esquemas elétricos, os barramentos e o sistema de relés. Também foi utilizado o MCC1 em desenvolvimento pelo IPEN e ELECTROCELL® com tecnologia 100% nacional. O HYBRIDGEN foi instalado em um sistema móvel. O terceiro tema refere-se à análise de estabilidade do modelo matemático do sistema conversor cc-cc. Utilizou-se de quatro testes de estabilidade, sendo: 1 - pela Resposta em Frequência ao utilizar o Teorema do Mapeamento, de Nyquist; 2 - Lugar das Raízes, de Nyquist; 3 - função de teste Degrau, em pontos de operação e, 4 - função de teste Impulso, em pontos de operação. Por fim, apresentaram-se os resultados dos ensaios de potencial e corrente de uma célula a combustível unitária de 25 cm2, do MCC1, e do HYBRIDGEN. No desenvolvimento dos primeiros testes o MCC1 atingiu 704,55 We, (potência considerada condição predominante de operação). A seguir, demonstrou-se a capacidade do HYBRIDGEN para simultaneamente: alimentar cargas em corrente contínua; carregar o acumulador de 45 Ah; alimentar o inversor de 2 kWe e o autotransformador, para fornecer energia a equipamentos em 12Vcc, 127 Vac e 220Vac, 60 Hz, todos num total de 819,52 We. Esses resultados foram obtidos mesmo com limitações na refrigeração ventilada do MCC1, observadas no decorrer dos testes. Assim, o HYBRIDGEN se mostrou viável tecnicamente, e com grande potencial de uso. / This work presents the contribution obtained by the development of the Hybrid Electric Power Generation System (HYBRIDGEN), with Brazilian technology, focused on third generation hybrid system, composed of the fuel cell type PEMFC, associated with a lead acid battery, and shows its variable load demand continuous mode operate ability with load factor below 50%. Four main themes were addressed. The first refers to a study concerning the to direct current (DC) energy converting efficiency improvement to regulate the dc-dc converter output potential. Power comes from the 1 kWe fuel cell stack, equipped with thermal cooling system and gas supply system, here named MCC1. After that a dc-dc converter system mathematical model was built supported on differential algebraic equations solution, the MCC1 trials, as well as in MATLAB7® program computer simulation. The second theme concerns the HYBRIDGEN prototype project and assembly due to lack on equipment on the Brazilian market with the necessary features for both research and for commercial use. Then, a charge controller card (CCC), wiring diagrams, copper bus and relay system were developed. A MCC1 developed by IPEN and ELECTROCELL® with Brazilian technology was use. The HYBRIDGEN can be installed in a mobile system. The third refers to a study concerning the stability analysis of the dc-dc converter system mathematical model. Four stability tests were addressed, namely: 1- The Frequency Response was used the Nyquist Mapping Theorem, 2 - The Nyquist Root Locus , 3 - The Step Test Function on operating points, and 4 - The Impulse Test Function on operating points. Finally, experiments with a 25 cm2 fuel cell unit, the MCC1 module and the HYBRIDGEN were carried out to, potential and current results. In the first MCC1 tests delivered a power output of 704.55 W (considered dominant operation power). Then, it was demonstrated the HYBRIDGEN ability to 819.52 We supply power, simultaneously: direct current loads, charge a 45Ah battery, a 2 kWe inverter and the autotransformer to supply power 12 Vcc, 127Vac, 220Vac, 60 Hz equipment. These results were achieved despite the MCC1 limit in the cooling system observed during the tests. Then, the HYBRIDGEN could be demonstrated technically feasible, and leading to great potential uses.

Este trabalho apresenta a contribuição obtida no desenvolvimento de um Gerador de Eletricidade Híbrido (HYBRIDGEN), com tecnologia nacional, focado nos sistemas de terceira geração de energia elétrica híbrido, composto por um módulo de células a combustível tipo PEMFC, associado a um acumulador chumbo ácido. Mostra-se também a sua capacidade de operar em modo contínuo, carga com demanda variável e fator de carga inferior a 50%. Foram abordados quatro temas principais. O primeiro refere-se a um estudo para a melhoria da eficácia na conversão de energia em corrente contínua (cc), ao regular o potencial de saída do conversor cc-cc. A energia é proveniente do módulo de célula a combustível de 1 kWe, equipado com sistema térmico de refrigeração e sistema de alimentação de gases, aqui denominados MCC1. Para tal, foi construído o modelo matemático do sistema conversor de corrente contínua (sistema conversor cc-cc), com solução suportada em equações diferenciais algébricas, ensaios no MCC1, bem como em simulação computacional no programa MATLAB7®. O segundo tema refere-se ao desenvolvimento do projeto e montagem do protótipo do HYBRIDGEN devido à inexistência no mercado brasileiro de um equipamento com as características necessárias tanto para a pesquisa, quanto para uso comercial. Desenvolveu-se uma placa controladora para o acumulador (PCC), os esquemas elétricos, os barramentos e o sistema de relés. Também foi utilizado o MCC1 em desenvolvimento pelo IPEN e ELECTROCELL® com tecnologia 100% nacional. O HYBRIDGEN foi instalado em um sistema móvel. O terceiro tema refere-se à análise de estabilidade do modelo matemático do sistema conversor cc-cc. Utilizou-se de quatro testes de estabilidade, sendo: 1 - pela Resposta em Frequência ao utilizar o Teorema do Mapeamento, de Nyquist; 2 - Lugar das Raízes, de Nyquist; 3 - função de teste Degrau, em pontos de operação e, 4 - função de teste Impulso, em pontos de operação. Por fim, apresentaram-se os resultados dos ensaios de potencial e corrente de uma célula a combustível unitária de 25 cm2, do MCC1, e do HYBRIDGEN. No desenvolvimento dos primeiros testes o MCC1 atingiu 704,55 We, (potência considerada condição predominante de operação). A seguir, demonstrou-se a capacidade do HYBRIDGEN para simultaneamente: alimentar cargas em corrente contínua; carregar o acumulador de 45 Ah; alimentar o inversor de 2 kWe e o autotransformador, para fornecer energia a equipamentos em 12Vcc, 127 Vac e 220Vac, 60 Hz, todos num total de 819,52 We. Esses resultados foram obtidos mesmo com limitações na refrigeração ventilada do MCC1, observadas no decorrer dos testes. Assim, o HYBRIDGEN se mostrou viável tecnicamente, e com grande potencial de uso. / This work presents the contribution obtained by the development of the Hybrid Electric Power Generation System (HYBRIDGEN), with Brazilian technology, focused on third generation hybrid system, composed of the fuel cell type PEMFC, associated with a lead acid battery, and shows its variable load demand continuous mode operate ability with load factor below 50%. Four main themes were addressed. The first refers to a study concerning the to direct current (DC) energy converting efficiency improvement to regulate the dc-dc converter output potential. Power comes from the 1 kWe fuel cell stack, equipped with thermal cooling system and gas supply system, here named MCC1. After that a dc-dc converter system mathematical model was built supported on differential algebraic equations solution, the MCC1 trials, as well as in MATLAB7® program computer simulation. The second theme concerns the HYBRIDGEN prototype project and assembly due to lack on equipment on the Brazilian market with the necessary features for both research and for commercial use. Then, a charge controller card (CCC), wiring diagrams, copper bus and relay system were developed. A MCC1 developed by IPEN and ELECTROCELL® with Brazilian technology was use. The HYBRIDGEN can be installed in a mobile system. The third refers to a study concerning the stability analysis of the dc-dc converter system mathematical model. Four stability tests were addressed, namely: 1- The Frequency Response was used the Nyquist Mapping Theorem, 2 - The Nyquist Root Locus , 3 - The Step Test Function on operating points, and 4 - The Impulse Test Function on operating points. Finally, experiments with a 25 cm2 fuel cell unit, the MCC1 module and the HYBRIDGEN were carried out to, potential and current results. In the first MCC1 tests delivered a power output of 704.55 W (considered dominant operation power). Then, it was demonstrated the HYBRIDGEN ability to 819.52 We supply power, simultaneously: direct current loads, charge a 45Ah battery, a 2 kWe inverter and the autotransformer to supply power 12 Vcc, 127Vac, 220Vac, 60 Hz equipment. These results were achieved despite the MCC1 limit in the cooling system observed during the tests. Then, the HYBRIDGEN could be demonstrated technically feasible, and leading to great potential uses.