Theoretical Design of A Power Generator Powered by Hydrogen and A Fuel Cell
Abstract
The article deals with the theoretical design of a power generator using hydrogen combustion as an alternative source of electrical energy. The core of the article includes the design of a power generator utilizing the H-1000 XP fuel cell and MNTZV-60 hydrogen storage tanks. The design incorporates a hydrogen connection diagram, an electrical circuit diagram, a cooling loop, and the construction of a standalone power generator. The article also includes a theoretical analysis and verification of the system’s functionality. The result is a power generator design capable of producing electricity in an environmentally friendly manner, with an emphasis on sustainability and the efficient use of alternative fuels.
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
Hydrogen is receiving increasing attention both in Europe and worldwide. The most important aspect is the fact that the energy conversion of green hydrogen in fuel cells produces no emissions into the atmosphere. It thus represents a potential solution for partially decarbonizing industrial processes and economic sectors.
In both mobile and stationary infrastructure, it is necessary to focus on alternative propulsion fuels and systems generated from renewable energy sources. Naturally, these systems will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions [1], [2].
Currently, two technological platforms appear to be long-term fuel sources: electromobility and hydrogen-based transport systems. One of the main challenges is increasing the safety of hydrogen fuel storage. At present, hydrogen is stored at extremely high pressures of 35–95 MPa, which poses significant safety risks. Solid-state hydrogen storage materials, primarily metal hydrides, have proven to be promising candidates for storage applications due to their high volumetric density, low operating pressures—ranging from 1 bar to 3 MPa, which is significantly lower than in high-pressure systems—and, last but not least, higher safety [3].
One of the devices in which hydrogen technologies can be implemented is the power generator. The aim of this article is to design a fuel cell-powered generator that uses hydrogen as the primary fuel.
Conclusion
The article discusses the design of a power generator that uses a fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen. The selected fuel cell, the Horizon H-1000 XP, was chosen based on its satisfactory technical parameters, particularly its efficiency of up to 59%.
Hydrogen storage is implemented using three MNTZV-60 tanks filled with Hydralloy C5 metal hydride alloy. The system’s energy balance confirms that the generator is capable of producing up to 20.1 MJ of electrical energy, with an overall system efficiency of 47.2%. The maximum available output power is 800 W.
The work also includes a structural strength analysis of the frame and the chassis shaft. Simulation results confirmed that the maximum stresses and deformations in various parts of the structure do not exceed the strength limits of the materials used, ensuring sufficient mechanical durability.
The next task involves the actual implementation of the hydrogen power generator in a real-world application.