Optimization of the Electrolyte Parameters and Components in Zinc Particle Fuel Cells

Thangavel Sangeetha, Po-Tuan Chen, Wu-Fu Cheng, Wei-Mon Yan and K. David Huang
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Thangavel Sangeetha: Department of Energy and Refrigerating Air-Conditioning Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
Po-Tuan Chen: Center for Condensed Matter Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Wu-Fu Cheng: Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
Wei-Mon Yan: Department of Energy and Refrigerating Air-Conditioning Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
K. David Huang: Department of Vehicle Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: Zinc (Zn)-air fuel cells (ZAFC) are a widely-acknowledged type of metal air fuel cells, but optimization of several operational parameters and components will facilitate enhanced power performance. This research study has been focused on the investigation of ZAFC Zn particle fuel with flowing potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. Parameters like optimum electrolyte concentration, temperature, and flow velocity were optimized. Moreover, ZAFC components like anode current collector and cathode conductor material were varied and the appropriate materials were designated. Power performance was analyzed in terms of open circuit voltage (OCV), power, and current density production and were used to justify the results of the study. The flow rate of the electrolyte was determined as 150 mL/min in the self-designed configuration. KOH electrolyte of 40 wt% concentration, at a temperature of 55 to 65 ?, and with a flow velocity of 0.12 m/s was considered to be beneficial for the ZAFCs operated in this study. Nickel mesh with a surface area of 400 cm 2 was chosen as anode current collector and copper plate was considered as cathode conductor material in the fuel cells designed and operated in this study. The power production of this study was better compared to some previously published works. Thus, effective enhancement and upgrading process of the ZAFCs will definitely provide great opportunities for their applications in the future.

Keywords: Zn air fuel cells; potassium hydroxide; flowing electrolyte Zn particle fuel; Zn oxide; Zincate ions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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