This dissertation progressively addresses research problems related to the trajectory optimization for fuel cell powered UAVs, from propulsion system model development, to optimal trajectory analyses and optimal trajectory applications. A dynamic model of a fuel cell powered UAV propulsion system is derived by combining a fuel cell system dynamic model, an electric motor dynamic model, and a propeller performance model. The influence of the fuel cell system dynamics on the optimal trajectories of a fuel cell powered UAV is investigated in two phases. In the first phase, the optimal trajectories of a fuel cell powered configuration and that of a conventional gas powered configuration are compared for point-to-point trajectory optimization problems with different performance index functions. In the second phase, the influence of the fuel cell system parameters on the optimal fuel consumption cost of the minimum fuel point-to-point optimal trajectories is investigated. This dissertation also presents two applications for the minimum fuel point-to-point optimal trajectories of a fuel cell powered UAV: three-dimensional minimum fuel route planning and path generation, and fuel cell system size optimization with respect to a UAV mission.

The design and implementation of self-powered, low power implant microcontroller, with wireless data transmitter system that captures data as subcutaneous bio-sensing platform has been achieved with glucose fuel cell (GFC) energy harvesting power solution. Data transfer is unidirectional, implant to reader and is initiated by a single transmission from the external reader. The implant's memory contents are transmitted as a stream of wireless pulses to the reader. This work explored two different approaches on current technologies used for designing self-powered bio medical devices (BMDs) and active implantable medical devices (IMDs), their processing, sampling data, transmission of data and energy hasting powering techniques with a view to identifying state-of-the art technologies and methods to improve the long-term powering and recharging of IMDs via a highly safe, efficient and convenient way. The designed low power implant microcontroller, with wireless data transmitter system combines glucose energy harvesting technique by using materials with efficient catalyst capabilities based on platinum nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon cloth (PtVCC) as a cathode electrode for GFC configuration, while plain Platinum (Pt) mesh/sheet acted as anode. The PtVCC and Pt electro-reaction, catalytic activities and stability resulted in a design of a direct GFC with high output voltage and current, >0.4V and >300μA respectively per cell, and increased this voltage to value >4V, to power the implant system, by using a voltage booster; direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter circuit, and a rechargeable battery. The innovative self-powered bio-sensing platform integrating GFC design, meets the self-powered IMDs expectations in terms of simplified fabrication and materials that allows one-compartment design that can directly be placed on the surface of medical implant to provide sufficient output power boosted by DC-DC converter to produced higher output voltage ten times greater than the input value, enough to power most efficient electronic devices. This research therefore proposes the practicability and potential of designing and implementing a wireless bio sensor system powered by an energy harvesting solution, based on GFC to produce a proof-of-concept design system and integration, including power management and data communication (sampling and transmission) platform suitable for self-low-powered periodically-activated IMD.

"Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell manufacturing can be considered in the pilot plant stage with efforts driving towards large volume manufacturing. The science of the solid oxide fuel cell is advancing rapidly to expand the knowledge base and use of material combinations and layer forming methods for the unit cell. Few of the many processing methods, over 15, reported in literature for layer formation are used today in high volume manufacturing. It is difficult to establish future market demand and cost levels needed to plan a course of action today. The need to select amongst different designs, materials and processes will require a tool to aid in these decisions. A modeling tool is presented to robustly compare the various process combinations and manufacturing variable to make solid oxide fuel cells in order to identify key trends prior to making strategic investment decisions. The ability to accurately forecast investment requirements and manufacturing cost for a given high volume manufacturing (HVM) process based on expected volume is critical for strategic decisions, product placement and investor communications. This paper describes the use of an updated process based cost model that permits the comparison of manufacturing cost data for various process combinations, production volumes, and electrolyte layer thickness tolerances. The effect of process yield is addressed. Processing methods discussed include tape casting, screen printing and sputtering."

A presente pesquisa foi desenvolvida para avaliar as potencialidades das células de combustível como tecnologia em si, inclusive os beneficios econômicos que se podem ter por meio do suprimento de energia elétrica se comparada com o aproveitamento da mesma por meio da rede pública. Além de uma parte descritiva do estado de arte da tecnologia, a presente dissertação foi focada em duas partes: a primeira trata de um estudo experimental onde uma célula, a membrana polimérica, foi conectada a um inversor, permitindo assim de fornecer energia elétrica na rede pública. Na segunda parte foi realizada uma avaliação engenhero-econômica com uma Célula de Combustível de Ácido Fosfórico para o aproveitamento da energia elétrica com cogeração de calor para as condições de mercado brasileiro. O primeiro estudo mostrou como seja possível abastecer uma célula (neste caso alimentada por hidrogênio) para fornecer continuamente energia elétrica na rede, onde necessário ou onde seja impossível para o usuário se conectar a rede pública. O segundo estudo, por sua vez, mostrou que atualmente a células de combustível de média temperatura de Ácido Fosfórico (PAFC) não é uma tecnologia ainda madura e que é viável economicamente somente em aplicações de nicho, por exemplo setores indústriais eletro-intensivos e com necessidade de energia termica também. Todavia, projeções futuras baseadas em curvas de aprendizados e a queda do preço do gás natural mostram como a expansão da tecnologia e a possibilidade de acessar um combustível barato podem abrir futuro para a PAFC mundialmente. / This Masters dissertation aims to study technical potentialities of Fuel Cell technology, including the economical benefits that can provide compared with public grid as well. Thus, the dissertation has been focused in two main parts: the first concerns in an experimental approach to supply electrical power to the public grid using a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), while the second one presents a global (from an engineering and economic point-of-view) assessment of a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) for the co-generation of heat with electrical energy in Brazil. The first study has been accomplished connecting a PEMFC with a power inverter to the public grid. It has been proved experimentally that Fuel Cell is an alternative device that, as long as fuel is fed, may provide electrical energy continuously and more efficiently than traditional devices. The second study has been focused in the so-called Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) that, being a Medium Temperature Fuel Cell, beyond to supply electrical energy, may be used for co-generation of thermal energy. Through this study it has been showed that, at the current state-of-art, PAFC is is not already a mature technology and it becomes economically viable only for niche market applications, represented by the industrial sectors with high base load power and continuous thermal energy demand. However, accumulated knowledge expressed by learning curve and natural gas shock price caused by possible LNG supplying and shale gas recovery are the two main factors that may turn investment in PAFC profitable worldwide.

Les milieux ruraux, souvent distants du réseau électrique principal, sont particulièrement adaptés au déploiement de microréseaux (MR). Ce type de réseau permet une restructuration du réseau électrique d’aujourd’hui afin d'intégrer plus efficacement un plus grand nombre des sources d’énergie renouvelable. Le biogaz,obtenu par la méthanisation des déchets agricoles, est une ressource d’énergie renouvelable disponible dans les zones rurales. Cette ressource, facilement stockable en grande quantité, est particulièrement intéressante pour les réseaux faibles comme le MR. Les sources d’énergies valorisant le biogaz sont plus fiables et moins dépendantes de phénomènes stochastiques comme le vent ou l’éclairement solaire.Après un état de l’art sur les différentes technologies valorisant le biogaz, ilressort qu’un système hybride composé d’une pile à combustible de type SOFC et d’une microturbine (MT) permet d’atteindre le meilleur rendement électrique avec un faible impact environnemental.L’objectif global de la thèse est d’étudier le système SOFC/MT comme source principale dans un contexte MR rural isolé. Dans ce but, une modélisation du système a été réalisée en se focalisant sur les éléments ayant un impact sur la dynamique des signaux électriques du système. Le système hybride a ensuite été dimensionné dans le but de conserver un rendement électrique optimal et un unique convertisseur multiniveau de type 3LNPC est utilisé pour l'intégrer au MR. Comme une pile à combustible est sensible aux variations de charges (affectant son rendement et sa durée de vie), le premier objectif de la stratégie de commande appliquée au convertisseur 3LNPC est de réguler la puissance de la SOFC à sa valeur nominale. Le MR devant pouvoir fonctionner en autonomie lors de son ilotage, le deuxième objectif de cette stratégie est de fixer la tension et la fréquence du réseau.Les contrôleurs de la stratégie de commande sont conçus en attachant une importance particulière à la robustesse des correcteurs. Le fonctionnement du système hybride SOFC/MT, piloté par un unique convertisseur de type 3LNPC équipé d’une stratégie de commande originale, a été testé et validé en simulation puis expérimentalement sur la plateforme MR d’ESTIA-Recherche. / Rural areas, often far away from the main electric grid, are particularly suitablefor the deployment of microgrids (MG). This type of grid allows a restructuring oftoday's power grid in order to integrate more efficiently renewable power sources.Biogas, produced by anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes, is a renewable energyresource available in rural areas. This resource, easily stored in large quantities, isparticularly interesting for weak grids like a MG. Energy sources using biogas are morereliable and less dependent on stochastic phenomena such as wind or solarillumination.After a state of the art on the different technologies enhancing biogas, it is clearthat a hybrid system consisting of a SOFC type fuel cell and a microturbine (MT)achieves the best electric efficiency with low environmental impact.The overall objective of the thesis is to study the SOFC / MT system as themain power source in an isolated rural MG context. For this purpose, a model of thesystem was carried out by focusing on the elements that affect the dynamics of thesystem's electrical signals. The hybrid system was then sized in order to maintainoptimal electrical performance, and a unique 3LNPC multilevel converter is used tointegrate the hybrid system to the MG. As a fuel cell is sensitive to load changes(affecting its performance and lifespan), the first objective of the control strategyapplied to the 3LNPC converter is to regulate the power of the SOFC at its nominalvalue. The MG must be able to operate autonomously when islanded, thus the secondobjective of this strategy is to set the grid voltage and frequency.The controllers of the control strategy are designed paying particular attention tothe robustness. The operation of the SOFC / MT hybrid system, driven by a single3LNPC type converter equipped with an innovative control strategy, has been testedand validated in simulation and experimentally in the MG platform of ESTIAResearch.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have gained renewed interest due to their high energy-conversion efficiency, new discovery of fossil fuel sources, and low greenhouse gas emission. However, performance degradation during long-term operation is one of the greatest challenges to overcome for commercialization of SOFCs. At intermediate temperatures, chromium (Cr) vapor species that form over chromia-forming alloy interconnect, can transport and deposit in the cathode, and poison the cathode performance. Although extensive studies have been conducted on the Cr-poisoning phenomena, the mechanism of cathode performance degradation still needs to be clarified. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the degradation mechanisms and develop corresponding mitigation strategies. In this research, anode-supported cells with (La,Sr)MnO3-based cathode were fabricated. The cells were electrochemically tested with and without the presence of chromia-forming alloy interconnect, and operating conditions including cathode atmosphere, current condition, and interconnect contact were varied independently. It was found that both humidity and cathodic current promote chromium poisoning. Microstructural characterizations also confirmed that larger amounts of chromium-containing deposits are present at the cathode/electrolyte interfaces of the cell tested with cathodic current and/or humidity. With the help of free energy minimization calculations, the equilibrium cell potentials for Cr vapor species reductions are estimated and found to be very close to the open-circuit potential of the cell. Combining the experimental and computational results, the roles of humidity and cathodic current in Cr-poisoning are evaluated, and a mechanism associated to Cr vapor species dissociation at the triple-phase-boundaries is proposed. To evaluate the Cr-poisoning effects on cell performance, an analytical polarization model is used for quantitatively separating the contribution of various cell polarizations. By curve-fitting the current-voltage traces to this model, the changes of cathode polarizations due to Cr-poisoning are quantified. Under normal operating conditions, the cathodic activation polarization is determined to be most negatively impacted by Cr-poisoning. Mitigation of the Cr-poisoning effects using a dense lab-developed CuMn1.8O4 spinel interconnect coating was demonstrated. Employing the spinel coated interconnect mesh in on-cell tests, it was found that both the degradation in cell performance and Cr deposition in the cathode are significantly mitigated.

The objectives of this doctoral thesis are to give a basisincluding methods for the development of stationary polymerelectrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) systems for combined heat andpower production. Moreover, the objectives include identifyingprerequisites, requirements and possibilities for PEFC systemsproducing heat and power for buildings in Sweden. The PEFCsystem is still in a pre-commercial state, but low emissionlevels, fast dynamics and high efficiencies are promisingcharacteristics. A thermodynamic model to simulate stationary PEFC systemshas been constructed and pinch technology and exergy analysesare utilised to design and evaluate the system. The finalsystem configuration implies a high total efficiency ofapproximately 98 % (LHV). A flexible test facility was built in connection with theresearch project to experimentally evaluate small-scalestationary PEFC systems at KTH. The research PEFC system hasextensive measurement equipment, a rigorous control system andallows fuel cell systems from approximately 0.2 to 4 kWel insize to be tested. The simulation models of the fuel processorand the fuel cell stack are verified with experimental datataken from the test facility. The initial evaluation andsimulation of the first residential installation of a PEFCsystem in Sweden is also reported. This PEFC system, fuelled bybiogas and hydrogen, is installed in an energy system alsoincluding a photovoltaic array, an electrolyser and hydrogenstorage. Technical aspects of designing a fuel cell system-basedenergy system, including storages and grid connections, whichprovides heat and power to a building are presented in thisthesis. As a basis for the technical and economic evaluations,exemplifying energy systems are constructed and simulated. Fuelcell system installations are predicted to be economicallyunviable for probable near-term conditions in Sweden. The mainfactor in the economic evaluations is the fuel price. However,fuel cell system installations are shown to have a higher fuelutilisation than the conventional method of energy supply. The methods presented in this thesis serve as a collectedbasis for continued research and development in the area. Keywords:Small-scale, stationary, fuel cell system,polymer electrolyte fuel cell, PEFC system, reformer,thermodynamic modelling, pinch technology, exergy analyses,system configuration, test facility, experiments, application,simulation, installation, energy system, energy storage, heatand power demand.

The development of an index to compare different sources of energy is presented; the index address the appraisal of the source of energy from its sustainable performance and also using the factors that influence the user's decision making process of adopting an alternative energy. The index is used to compare the fuel cell system and the traditional grid system powered by coal fired power plants, for a typical residential unit located in the rural Appalachian region in Ohio.

<p>The objectives of this doctoral thesis are to give a basisincluding methods for the development of stationary polymerelectrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) systems for combined heat andpower production. Moreover, the objectives include identifyingprerequisites, requirements and possibilities for PEFC systemsproducing heat and power for buildings in Sweden. The PEFCsystem is still in a pre-commercial state, but low emissionlevels, fast dynamics and high efficiencies are promisingcharacteristics.</p><p>A thermodynamic model to simulate stationary PEFC systemshas been constructed and pinch technology and exergy analysesare utilised to design and evaluate the system. The finalsystem configuration implies a high total efficiency ofapproximately 98 % (LHV).</p><p>A flexible test facility was built in connection with theresearch project to experimentally evaluate small-scalestationary PEFC systems at KTH. The research PEFC system hasextensive measurement equipment, a rigorous control system andallows fuel cell systems from approximately 0.2 to 4 kWel insize to be tested. The simulation models of the fuel processorand the fuel cell stack are verified with experimental datataken from the test facility. The initial evaluation andsimulation of the first residential installation of a PEFCsystem in Sweden is also reported. This PEFC system, fuelled bybiogas and hydrogen, is installed in an energy system alsoincluding a photovoltaic array, an electrolyser and hydrogenstorage.</p><p>Technical aspects of designing a fuel cell system-basedenergy system, including storages and grid connections, whichprovides heat and power to a building are presented in thisthesis. As a basis for the technical and economic evaluations,exemplifying energy systems are constructed and simulated. Fuelcell system installations are predicted to be economicallyunviable for probable near-term conditions in Sweden. The mainfactor in the economic evaluations is the fuel price. However,fuel cell system installations are shown to have a higher fuelutilisation than the conventional method of energy supply.</p><p>The methods presented in this thesis serve as a collectedbasis for continued research and development in the area.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Small-scale, stationary, fuel cell system,polymer electrolyte fuel cell, PEFC system, reformer,thermodynamic modelling, pinch technology, exergy analyses,system configuration, test facility, experiments, application,simulation, installation, energy system, energy storage, heatand power demand.</p>

Molten Carbonate Fuel cells are high temperature fuel cells suitable for distributed generation and combined heat and power, and are today being installed on commercial basis in sizes from 100kW to several MW. Novel applications for MCFC which have attracted interest lately are MCFC used for CO2 separation from combustion flue gas, and high temperature electrolysis with reversible fuel cells. In the first application, the intrinsic capability of the MCFC to concentrate CO2 from the cathode to the anode side through the cell reaction is utilized. In the second application, the high operating temperature and relatively simple design of the MCFC is utilized in electrolysis, with the aim to produce a syngas mix which can be further processed into hydrogen of synthetic fuels. In this thesis, the effect on fuel cell performance of operating a small lab-scale molten carbonate fuel cell in conditions which simulate those that would apply if the fuel cell was used for CO2 separation in combustion flue gas was studied. Such operating conditions are characterized especially by a low CO2 concentration at the cathode compared to normal operating conditions. Sulfur contaminants in fuel gas, especially H2S, are known poisoning agents which cause premature degradation of the MCFC. Furthermore, combustion flue gas often contains sulfur dioxide which, if entering the cathode, causes performance degradation by corrosion and by poisoning of the fuel cell. This makes poisoning by sulfur contaminants of great concern for MCFC development. In this thesis, the effect of sulfur contaminants at both anode and cathode on fuel cell degradation was evaluated in both normal and in low CO2 simulated flue gas conditions.      The results suggested that the poisoning effect of SO2 at the cathode is similar to that of H2S at the anode, and that it is possibly due to a transfer of sulfur from cathode to anode. Furthermore, in combination with low CO2 conditions at the cathode, SO2 contaminants cause fuel cell poisoning and electrolyte degradation, causing high internal resistance. By using a small lab-scale MCFC with commercial materials and standard fuel cell operating conditions, the reversible MCFC was demonstrated to be feasible. The electrochemical performance was investigated in both fuel cell (MCFC) and electrolysis cell (MCEC) modes. The separate electrodes were studied in fuel cell and electrolysis modes under different operating conditions. It was shown that the fuel cell exhibited lower polarization in MCEC mode than in MCFC mode, and a high CO2 concentration at the fuel cell anode reduced the polarization in electrolysis mode, which suggested that CO2 is reduced to produce CO or carbonate. / Smältkarbonatbränsleceller (MCFC) är en typ av högtemperaturbränsleceller som är anpassade för kombinerad el- och värmeproduktion i mellan-till stor skala. Idag installeras MCFC på kommersiell basis i storlekar mellan 100kW och flera MW. En ny typ av tillämpning för MCFC som har väckt intresse på senare tid är användandet av MCFC för CO2-avskiljning i kombination med konventionell elproduktion genom förbränning. En annan ny tillämpning är högtemperaturelektrolys genom användandet av reversibla bränsleceller. I det första fallet utnyttjas att CO2 kan koncentreras från katod- till anodsidan, vilket sker genom cellreaktionen för MCFC. I det andra fallet utnyttjas den höga arbetstemperaturen och den relativt enkla cell-designen för att använda reversibla MCFC till elektrolys, med syfte att producera en syngas-blandning som kan förädlas till vätgas eller till syntetiskt bränsle. I denna avhandling studeras effekten på bränslecellens prestanda genom att operera en MCFC i lab-skala med driftförhållanden som simulerar de som förväntas uppkomma om bränslecellen användes för CO2-avskiljning ur rökgaser från förbränning. Dessa driftförhållanden karaktäriseras av låg CO2-koncentration på katodsidan jämfört med normal drift. Svavelföroreningar i bränsle, speciellt H2S, är kända för att orsaka förgiftning av anoden, vilket i sin tur försämrar bränslecellens prestanda. Dessutom innehåller rökgaser ofta SO2, vilket antas orsaka korrosion och förgiftning av katoden. Detta gör effekten av svavelföroreningar till ett prioriterat ämne för utvecklingen av MCFC. I denna avhandling undersöks effekten av svavelföroreningar på både anod- och katodsidan, i normala driftförhållanden och i förhållanden med låg CO2 som simulerar användandet av rökgaser för CO2-avskiljning. Resultaten tyder på att effekten av förgiftning med SO2 på katoden liknar den med H2S på anoden, och att detta kan vara orsakat av en transport av svavel från katod till anod. Vidare, i kombination med låg CO2 koncentration på katoden så orsakar SO2-föroreningar elektrolytdegradering, vilket orsakar hög inre resistans. Genom att använda en liten MCFC i lab-skala med kommersiella material och standardförhållanden för MCFC påvisades att reversibla smältkarbonatbränsleceller kan vara ett lovande koncept. Den elektrokemiska prestandan av både cell och separata elektroder undersöktes både som bränslecell (MCFC)och vid elektrolys (MCEC). Resultaten visade att cellen uppvisade lägre polarisation vid elektrolys än som bränslecell, och att ten hög CO2-koncentration på det som är bränslecellens anodsida gav upphov till en minskad elektrodpolarisation, vilket indikerar att CO2 reduceras för att producera CO eller karbonat. / <p>QC 20141028</p>