This article was originally published on 14th August 2019 and has been updated to reflect the latest industry research.
Electrochemical fuel cells are a transformative innovation in sustainable energy, offering the potential to replace combustion engines with cleaner, more efficient systems. Among the various fuels explored for these systems, hydrogen (H₂) has become the focus of research. This is thanks to its high energy density and environmental benefits. But while hydrogen fuel cells promise zero emissions and high energy output, their success depends on overcoming challenges related to fuel purity, emissions control, and system efficiency.
Addressing these challenges requires precision tools that provide real-time insights into the behavior and composition of gases within fuel cells. Gas analysers are indispensable in this regard, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of hydrogen technology and make sustainable energy a practical reality.
Addressing the Need for Fuel Cells
The environmental and public health impacts of fossil fuel use are increasingly unsustainable. Transportation alone contributes 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., with pollutants like ground-level ozone (O₃) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) worsening air quality and endangering ecosystems. A study from 2015 attributed approximately 385,000 premature deaths worldwide to air pollution caused by vehicle emissions.¹
Gas analysers have been critical in quantifying these emissions, providing irrefutable evidence of the damage caused by fossil fuels. This data has been instrumental in driving the search for alternative technologies like hydrogen fuel cells, which emit no harmful pollutants when using pure hydrogen. By measuring and analysing the environmental footprint of traditional fuels, gas analysers have catalysed interest in hydrogen as a cleaner, greener solution.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work
Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process that combines hydrogen and oxygen. At the anode, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons, producing an electrical current as the electrons flow through an external circuit. Simultaneously, the protons pass through an electrolyte to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen to form water.
Key benefits of hydrogen fuel cells include:
Clean Byproducts: The only emissions from pure hydrogen fuel cells are water and heat. This makes them an environmentally friendly option.
Extended Service Life: Continuous operation is achievable with a steady supply of hydrogen and oxygen.
Versatility in Applications: These systems are being explored for use in transportation, stationary power generation, and industrial applications.
Despite their promise, hydrogen fuel cells face practical challenges. Pure hydrogen is rarely available in nature, requiring production through methods like steam methane reforming or water electrolysis. These processes can introduce impurities or emissions, which must be carefully analysed and managed to ensure the environmental credentials of hydrogen systems.
The Essential Role of Gas Analysers
Gas analysers are fundamental to advancing fuel cell technology, providing precise, real-time data that helps researchers overcome technical challenges and improve system performance.
Applications of Gas Analysers in Fuel Cell Research
Hydrogen Purity Monitoring: Fuel cells demand hydrogen of exceptionally high purity, often exceeding 99.99%. Even trace impurities such as carbon monoxide (CO) or sulfur compounds can poison catalysts, reducing both efficiency and lifespan. Gas analysers detect these contaminants to ensure fuel quality and optimise cell performance.
Exhaust Gas Characterisation: When using alternative hydrogen sources like natural gas or methanol, fuel cells generate byproducts such as CO₂ and other trace emissions. Gas analysers quantify these outputs, helping validate the green credentials of the system and improve fuel processing methods.
Reaction Optimisation: Monitoring the internal reactions of a fuel cell works to refine operational parameters like temperature, pressure, and gas flow rates. Gas analysers provide insights that enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste.
Safety Assurance: Hydrogen’s flammability demands rigorous safety protocols. Gas analysers enable early detection of leaks, ensuring a safe working environment for research and industrial applications.
Durability Studies: Over time, materials in fuel cells degrade due to heat, wear, or contamination. Gas analysers track changes in gas composition, helping identify performance issues and improve fuel cell longevity.
Hiden Analytical’s Solutions for Fuel Cell Research
We’re proud to offer advanced gas analysers specifically designed for the complex demands of hydrogen fuel cell research. Our QIC Series Gas Analysers deliver precision and flexibility, empowering researchers to tackle challenges in fuel purity, reaction efficiency, and emissions monitoring.
These are some of the main features of the QIC series:
High Sensitivity: Capable of detecting impurities at parts per billion (ppb) levels, ensuring precise monitoring of hydrogen purity.
Wide Detection Range: Suitable for analysing gases from trace levels to 100% concentrations, providing versatility across applications.
Specialised Sampling Options: High-temperature inlets and multi-stream analysis capabilities enable accurate measurements of complex gas mixtures.
Mass Spectrometry Expertise: Exceptional accuracy in detecting hydrogen (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄), and other critical gases.
Driving Innovation in Hydrogen Energy
Gas analysers are indispensable for advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology, addressing critical challenges in fuel purity, reaction optimisation, and emissions control. At Hiden Analytical, we’re committed to supporting the hydrogen revolution with cutting-edge gas analysis solutions. From ensuring fuel purity to optimising the internal processes of fuel cells, our instruments drive innovation and help bring the promise of hydrogen power closer to widespread adoption.
To learn more about our gas analysers and how they can support your research, visit our product page. Together, we can accelerate the journey toward cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
References
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- Nearly 50% of transport pollution deaths linked to diesel: study. Science X. https://phys.org/news/2019-02-pollution-deaths-linked-diesel.html. Published February 27, 2019. Accessed January 23, 20
