Multifunctional fuel cell system in an aircraft environment: An investigation focusing on fuel tank inerting and water generation

Abstract

Implementing a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) into an aircraft environment is a challenging task. In order for aircraft manufacturers and airlines to realize the ecological and economic benefits of this technology, it is necessary to make use of the multiple functions that a fuel cell system can provide. In addition to the main product of electrical energy, the fuel cell is capable of delivering further products, which are useful in an aircraft environment. The waste products -water vapor, heat and oxygen-depleted air (ODA) -at the cathode exhaust are valuable for use on board a commercial airplane. This paper describes the multifunctional approach, points out the advantages of the operation strategy as well as describes a prototype system for the multifunctional use of a PEM fuel cell on board a commercial airplane. The stable operation of the aforementioned system was successfully demonstrated in various tests. The emphasis of the work in question is on water and ODA generation/conditioning.

PEMFC for aeronautic applications: A review on the durability aspects

“…In the context of MFC for aircraft, Keim et al and Werner et al studied the effect of temperature on electrical power supply, oxygen content of cathode discharge gas (oxygen depleted gas, ODA) and produced water [9,11]. Keim et al explored the effect of temperature on dryness of ODA when using a honeycomb silica structure that facilitates drying [9].…”

“…Keim et al explored the effect of temperature on dryness of ODA when using a honeycomb silica structure that facilitates drying [9]. ODA must be dry with at most 2 g(H 2 O)kg −1 (ODA) specific humidity in order to avoid contaminating jet fuel [9].…”

“…Keim et al explored the effect of temperature on dryness of ODA when using a honeycomb silica structure that facilitates drying [9]. ODA must be dry with at most 2 g(H 2 O)kg −1 (ODA) specific humidity in order to avoid contaminating jet fuel [9]. The drying process within the honeycomb silica structure involves: 1. drying (ODA is dried by the silica structure to the required specific humidity, 2. regeneration (silica structure is regenerated by cooling to a set temperature) and 3. resting (the silica structure is allowed to rest while other silica structure units are active.…”

“…Information obtained on effect of aeronautic conditions on PEMFC will assist in defining the optimum operating conditions. Experimental testing and modelling work currently conducted by Airbus and DLR researchers seeks to optimize management of discharge water, heat and cathode exhaust gas of a MFC [9,11,14].…”

“…Heat generated can be used for hot water and ice prevention in freezing conditions [7]. Consequently, PEMFC is studied and marketed as multifunctional fuel cell (MFC) in order to appeal to a wider market [9][10][11].…”