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This open access book highlights the latest advances in fundamental research, technologies and applications of hydrogen energy and fuel cells. In recent years, energy conversion between electricity and hydrogen energy has attracted increasing attention as a way to adjust the load of the grid. This book discusses and exchanges cutting-edge findings and technological developments in fields such as new proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, new electrode materials and catalysts, renewable energy, off-grid/grid-connected water electrolysis for hydrogen production, key materials and components of fuel cells, high-temperature solid oxide water electrolysis, energy storage technologies and research, CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, nitrogen to ammonia and other applications with industrial potential.The main topics of the proceedings include:1) Policies and strategies for hydrogen energy and fuel cells;2) Advanced proton exchange membranes, electrodes and catalyst materials for water electrolysis;3) Advanced hydrogen compression, storage, transportation and distribution technologies;4) Safety and related standards;5) Manufacture and R&D of key materials and components of fuel cells and stack systems.

This book develops a novel and simple, yet rigorous methodology that, by means of basic techniques and tools available to any engineer, enables the study of solar concentrator performance parameter scattering on the control of the solar field outlet temperature. Several simulations are performed considering a realistic solar field comprised of a large set of solar collectors with slight differences in performance. Sets of scattered parameter distributions are randomly assigned to the collectors in the solar field. Sensitivity analysis of solar field behavior is then performed in terms of the distribution of the performance parameters of the solar collectors, followed by a comparison between different configurations of the solar field according to the number of subfields. The latter is of great interest in order to evaluate the effect of a subfield number on the ability of the solar field's operator to control the temperature of the solar field when a flow control valve is not available in each loop. As a special feature, this book proposes a new model for characterizing the energetic behavior of grid connected PV inverters. The model has been obtained from a detailed study of the main loss processes in small size PV inverters in the market. The main advantage of the used method is to obtain a model that comprises two antagonistic features, since both are simple, easy to compute and apply, and accurate. One of the main features of this model is how it handles the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and its efficiency: Concerning both parts, the model uses the same approach and is achieved by two resistive elements which simulate the losses inherent to each parameter. This makes this model easy to implement, compact and refine. The model presented here also includes other parameters, such as the start threshold, standby consumption and islanding behavior. As an example, the model has been implemented in the PSPICE electronic simulator, and this approach has been used to teach grid-connected PV systems. The use of this model for the maintenance of working PV facilities is also shown.

This issue contains 13 papers from The American Ceramic Society's 38th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, held in Daytona Beach, Florida, January 26-31, 2014 presented in Symposium 3 - 12th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Materials, Science, and Technology.

Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 5th International Conference on Electroceramics, December 12-16, 2011, Sydney, Australia

This proceedings focuses on both the scientific and technological aspects of fuel cells and high energy density batteries including solid oxide; proton exchange membrane; and direct methanol fuel cells; lithium-ion batteries; oxide-ion electrolytes; proton conductors; mixed ionic-electronic conductors; electrocatalysts; new materials development; and other related solid state and electrochemical aspects including supercapacitors and oxygen separation membranes.

Advanced Fossil Fuel Energy Technologies, Hydrogen Production andSelected papers from the 5th Forum on New Materials, part of CIMTEC 2010-12 th International Ceramics Congress and 5th Forum on New Materials, Montecatini Terme, Italy, June 13-18, 2010

Wiley Series on Electrocatalysis and Electrochemistry Fuel Cell Catalysis A Surface Science Approach A Core reference on fuel cell catalysis Fuel cells represent an important alternative energy source and a very active area of research. Fuel Cell Catalysis brings together world leaders in this field, providing a unique combination of state-of-the-art theory and computational and experimental methods. With an emphasis on understanding fuel cell catalysis at the molecular level, this text covers fundamental principles, future challenges, and important current research themes. Fuel Cell Catalysis: Provides a molecular-level description of catalysis for low-temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells, including both hydrogen-oxygen cells and direct alcohol cells Examines catalysis issues of both anode and cathode such as oxygen reduction, alcohol oxidation, and CO tolerance Features a timely and forward-looking approach through emphasis on novel aspects such as computation and bio-inspiration Reviews the use and potential of surface-sensitive techniques like vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman, nonlinear spectroscopy, laser), scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray scattering, NMR, electrochemical techniques, and more Reviews the use and potential of such modern computational techniques as DFT, ab initio MD, kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, and more Surveys important trends in reactivity and structure sensitivity, nanoparticles,'dynamic'catalysis, electrocatalysis vs. gas-phase catalysis, new experimental techniques, and nontraditional catalysts This cutting-edge collection offers a core reference for electrochemists, electrocatalysis researchers, surface and physical chemists, chemical and automotive engineers, and researchers in academia, research institutes, and industry.

Carbonaceous materials play a fundamental role in electrochemical energy storage systems. Carbon in the structural form of graphite is widely used as the active material in lithium-ion batteries; it is abundant, and environmentally friendly. Carbon is also used to conduct and distribute charge effectively throughout composite electrodes of supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells. The electronic conductive pathways are critical to delivering and extracting current out of the device. However, many challenges and the understanding of the role of carbon and its stability and efficiency in charge storage applications still exists. This NATO-ARW volume contains a diverse collection of papers addressing the role of carbon in some key electrochemical systems, both conventional and emerging. These papers discuss the latest issues associated with development, synthesis, characterization and use of new advanced carbonaceous materials for electrochemical energy storage. Such systems include: metal-air primary and rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, cathodes and anodes of lithium-ion and lithium polymer rechargeable batteries, as well as nanocarbon materials of the future.

Fuel Cells have become a potentially highly efficient sustainable source of energy and electricity for an ever-demanding power hungry world. The two main types of fuel cells ripe for commercialisation are the high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and the low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEM). The commercial uses of which include, but are not limited to, military, stand-by power, commercial and industrial, and remoter power. However, all aspects of the electricity market are being considered. This book has brought together a team of world-renowned experts in all aspects of fuel cell development for both SOFC and PEM in a workshop environment. The workshop held between June 6–10, 2004 was held in the capital city of the Ukraine, Kiev. The reason for the venue was that Ukraine is the third largest resource of zircon sands, a major source of material for the solid oxide fuel cell. Ukraine is looking at undertaking a very large effort in the solid oxide fuel cell arena, and hopes, one day, to be an international player in this market, and this book is an outcome from the workshop. The book focuses on the issues related to fuel cells, particularly the state-of-the-art internationally, the issues that were of particular interest for getting fuel cells fully commercialized, and advances in fuel cell materials and technology. The focus was on all types of fuel cells, but the emphasis was particularly on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), due to their importance to the host country. The book is an essential reference to researchers, academics and industrialists interested in up-to-date information on SOFC and PEM development.

Research and Development in Non-Mechanical Electrical Power Sources contains the proceedings of the 6th International Power Sources Symposium held in Brighton, UK, in September 1968. The papers explore research and development in non-mechanical sources of electric power such as lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and solid state batteries. This book is comprised of 38 chapters and opens with a discussion on the charge acceptance of positive and negative electrodes in lead-acid cells. The following chapters deal with the effect of temperature and current density on the utilization of lead and lead oxide electrodes; anomalies of the negative plate in the lead-acid battery; curing of lead-acid battery plates; and specific properties of small closed lead accumulators using an immobilized electrolyte. Water-activated dry-charged lead-acid batteries, coated nickel electrodes, and nickel-cadmium batteries are also described. The final chapter is devoted to the methods of making GeSi alloys, their properties, and their use in thermoelectric generators. This monograph will be a valuable resource for electrical engineers.

Progress in Astronautics and Rocketry, Volume 3: Energy Conversion for Space Power focuses on the use of dependable electric power sources on space vehicles. Composed of various literature, the book first discusses the physics of thermoelectricity, thermoelectric generator of materials, the use of semiconductors in thermoelectric conversion, and the use of high temperature thermoelectric materials for power generation. The text also presents experiments on the effect of irradiation on thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric elements in space power systems, and thermionics. The book then describes photovoltaic effect and conversion of solar energy; trends in silicon solar cell technology; the use of silicon solar cells in energy conversion; and how radiation affects solar cell power systems. The text notes the specifications of batteries if used in communications satellites; the use of positive-displacement engines and turbines on cryogenic power systems; and the characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators in space power conversion. The book is a good source of information for readers and scientists wanting to explore the potential of energy conversion in space power technology.