Hydrogen and fuel cell systems
Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of the fuel and oxidant directly into electricity and heat. Fuel cells offer high efficiency, low emissions, modularity and quiet operation. Fuel cells are a promising candidate for powering a wide range of applications, from portable electronics via vehicles to power stations. (More information on fuel cells; Older fuel cell pages in Finnish.)
Fuel cell research efforts concentrate on PEM fuel cells which operate at ca. 20-80°C and utilize a proton conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte. Emphasis is on small (less than 100 W electrical power) free-breathing cells, new cell geometries and material characterization. Mass, heat and electrical transport phenomena have been studied both experimentally and by modeling.
Current research projects
- Development of kW-scale fuel cell power source with VTT, includes material characterization, modeling and mechanical design
- Correlation of gas diffusion backing performance and physical properties by combining experimental methods and modeling
- Fuel cell modeling with realistic physical properties for components
- Development of small free breathing PEM fuel cells
- Water transport in polymer electrolyte membranes
- Sodium borohydrides for hydrogen storage
Funding sources
Research highlights
- Computer model for predicting clamping pressure distribution in fuel cell stacks (2008)
- Modeling the effect of uneven compression of gas diffusion backings on current production profile (2006)
- Operating a free-breathing PEMFC at -29 °C (2005)
- World record power density for a free-breathing PEMFC, 360 mW/cm2 (2004)
- 1st in the world to measure the current density distribution in a free-breathing PEM fuel cell (2002)
Contact persons
Dr. Mikko Mikkola, Professor Peter Lund (firstname.lastname@tkk.fi)
