[en] The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Conference and Trade Show was held in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 8-11, 2003. The message of the Conference and Trade Show was to help in the movement Towards a Greener World. Within that broad objective framework, five distinct themes were identified that addressed a comprehensive array of issues through which all delegates were able to contribute, debate and exchange ideas to accelerate the engineering and economics of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. The five themes within the Conference were: Hydrogen Infrastructure; Environment, Economics and Education; Materials and Innovative Technologies; Hydrogen Storage Systems and Applications; and Fuel Cells

[en] The need to maximize efficiency in fuel cell applications results in the desire for minimum fuel flows. If a distribution in flow to individual cells exists, then some cells may experience fuel utilization in excess of 100%. This condition can lead to reversed polarity of the cell voltage due to an increase in anode potential. The oxidative conditions which thus occur can result in rapid degradation of a carbon supported anode catalyst layer. The catalyst and structure can be modified to reduce the rate of degradation. This approach allows for increased system flexibility and improved fuel efficiency by reducing the need for excess fuel flow and purging. Strategies to reduce degradation are focused on promoting alternative reactions to the carbon oxidation reaction. The water oxidation reaction for oxygen evolution can be preferentially promoted by improving corrosion resistance and by modifying the catalyst to reduce overpotential for water oxidation. Improved retention of water at the anode catalyst layer will ensure that it is available for the water oxidation reaction to proceed. (author)

[en] High adsorbed quantities of hydrogen have been reported on carbon nanotubes near room temperature, but the precise mechanisms that could explain these results are still not well understood. In order to investigate the contribution of geometry on the adsorption process, we present a theoretical study of the low pressure physisorption of hydrogen on nanotubes and nanotubes bundles through the second virial coefficient B_AS with an uncorrugated adsorption potential. The optimal nanotube bundle geometry at low pressure for a Lennard-Jones adsorption potential is obtained by studying the second virial coefficient B_AS for variable radius or bundle lattice constant. The relative contribution of internal sites and interstices is discussed as a function of radius and bundle lattice constant. (author)

[en] This presentation deals with experiences in research and development of hydrogen and fuel cells. It discusses the necessary framework to implement these technologies in the international marketplace. This presentation does not go into technical issues but gives a general outlook to possible developments in the future. The presentation documents the state of the art of different fuel cell applications. Only with change of attitude and approach can the breakthrough of H2/FC be achieved. Facts about investments into technology developments for renewable energies are given. The implementation time of the new products to reach a certain amount of customers is compared. Some reasons why customers buy new products which are unknown in the beginning are illustrated. The inter-dependability between supply and consumer-driven demand (or better demand and supply) are explained. Some ideas how to find the necessary conditions to reach the final goal are discussed The presentation ends with an outlook of the development of the Group Exhibit H2/FC at the annual HANNOVER FAIR from 1995 until today. (author)

[en] Fuel cells represent one of today's most promising non-polluting technologies for power applications. Extensive research has targeted the modeling of the mobile ion dynamics through electrolytes, which are an essential component of the fuel cells. For the fuel cells operating at low temperatures, the polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) have shown attractive characteristics as very good proton conductors under specific operating conditions. However, fundamental processes such as diffusion mechanisms through the membranes are still insufficiently understood, and many experimental and theoretical investigations are currently in progress. This paper focuses on the simulation of proton transport through water and PEMs using a range of molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques. The mechanisms assumed for the diffusion processes are discussed. Some new computer programs that aid in visualization of the transport of protons are described. Results of the computer simulations are presented in terms of diffusion coefficients and are compared with available experimental data. The programs will eventually permit investigations of various membrane structures and the role of different dopants (e.g., diamond dopants). (author)

[en] An analysis on mass transfer losses, or concentration overpotentials in fuel cells is provided. A simplified theory, as proposed in some texts, is derived. This is followed by a more rigorous theoretical foundation of mass transfer, for which the concentration overpotential is obtained as a function of driving force. The solution for the driving force is provided, for the well-known one-dimensional convection-diffusion problem. The methodology is illustrated using the simple example of a solid oxide fuel cell. It is shown that for reduction of O₂ at the cathode, the simplified theory is only applicable for very dilute mixtures. At the anode, where H₂ is consumed and H₂O produced, the simplified theory fails. A linearised theory, appropriate for low mass flow rates is also presented. (author)

[en] Low temperature plasmas have excellent potential as on board transportation reformers for fuel cells. Because of their low temperature operation, they start up and shut down rapidly, and little energy is lost in waste heat that cannot easily be recovered from high temperature processes. Their use of electricity to drive reactions certainly requires good efficiency, but may simplify on-board systems. Partial oxidation has been shown to operate effectively as has steam reforming under these conditions. Hydrogen, CO_x, and C₂s are the primary products of plasma reforming of methane. In this paper, the major reaction pathways and the results of the partial oxidation and steam reforming of methane will be discussed. (author)

[en] This research is aimed to develop a fuzzy logic control strategy for fuel cell powered bicycle. Advanced control strategy with low cost microprocessor is a crucial development step for future commercialization phase of fuel cell system applications. In this paper, a micro controller based fuzzy logic control strategy and system is developed to improve the running performance of the bicycle, as the fuel cell powered system has great uncertainty of power output. Through advanced control methods, significant improvement in the performance of fuel cell powered bicycle, the energy consumption, and the running speed can be achieved. (author)

[en] For the purpose of practical utilization of the PEFC cogeneration system, we are promoting the national projects of the 'Establishment of Codes and Standards for Stationary PEFC System'. The objective is to prepare the software platforms for wide spreading use, which are required in the introduction stage of the PEFC cogeneration systems, such as code and standards for safety, reliability, performance and so on. For this objective, using test samples of the systems and the stacks, developments of test and evaluation devices, collection of various kinds of data and establishment of test and evaluation methods are under way. (author)

[en] A hydrogen economy is not just about future clean energy but is also about future economic development. It is about new products, new services, new knowledge, and renewable energy sources that will be ultimately used by consumers in the future, and thus represent potential new economic opportunities. The concept of achieving important environmental and health goals through a cleaner energy economy, based on hydrogen, is not new. Similarly, the desire of individual jurisdictions to seek out and develop economic development opportunities is not new. The key question today becomes one of how to plot directions on hydrogen that will yield appropriate economic development gains in the future. While hydrogen offers significant promise, the prospect benefits are recognized to be still largely long-term in nature. In addition, the ability to identify appropriate future directions is clouded by a degree of 'hydrogen hype' and by a variety of major technical and market uncertainties. During 2002, a unique process was initiated within Manitoba combining these elements to work toward a Hydrogen Economic Development Strategy, a strategy that is ultimately intended to lead the province as a whole to determining our future economic niches for hydrogen. This paper describes the nature of the assessment process undertaken within Manitoba, the outcomes achieved and general insights of relevance to a broader audience. (author)