The Laboratory of Thermo-and Electro-chemical Fuel Conversion

Research subjects:

Today, fuel cells are vigorously evolving technology of power generators due to their advantages of: high conversion efficiency, silent operation, the possibility of co-generation of electricity and heat distributed in energy systems, negligible small environmental contamination, modular expansion capabilities, etc. The five basic types of fuel cell were introduced, currently the most intensive work is carried out on polymer batteries (cells) and mercuric oxide and PEMFC - ceramic (SOFC). The existing laboratories carried out the work on both types of fuel cells (PEMFC and SOFC) in connection with the implementation of project works: development No OF R00 0085 11 p. n., “Low power drives to power unmanned flying measures with the use of fuel cells”, Strategic NCBiR 'Advanced technologies for energy generation' Task No. 4 pt. "Develop of integrated technologies for the production of fuel and energy from biomass, agricultural waste and other" and the Consortium of Carbon Fuel Cells. Two of these projects, the first and the last, can be implemented in the next 3-4 summer period at the laboratories of Energy Center. In particular, the program implemented within the Consortium of Carbon Fuel Cells requires wider discussion. The Consortium consists of research units and companies with fuel-energy sector (Institute of Energetics in Warsaw, AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Institute of Catalysis and Surface Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Energy Group (PGE), GROUP TAURON PKE SA, Katowice Coal Holding SA Coal Company SA). Carbon fuel cell is a new kind of fuel cell, currently attracting many interests from different centers abroad, because they are characterized by many advantages, such as very high energy efficiency, the ability to use solid fuel (coal) for energy supply, safety at work, ease separation of CO2 emissions. Additionally, taking into account the additional rich coal resources, it is easy to understand the interest. The AGH University of Science and technology conducts research and development on fuel cell with electrolyte oxide-ceramic. Currently, obtained results (current density and energy obtained in the laboratory units) give a hope for the future commercialization of such cells and the possibility of their usage in future distributed energy systems.