SATNAC 2009 Conference Papers
Outside Plant & Transmission Issues
Title: Development of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) for
Telecom Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: A.S Abdulkareem (
Abstract: The high cost of fuel cells compared to other energy
sources creates uncertainty about the projected full-scale commercialization of
this device. This paper describes the synthesis of a proton exchange membrane
from locally available polystyrene butadiene rubber for fuel cell applications.
Chlorosulphonic acid was used as the sulphonating agent and the effect of the
degree of sulphonation on the membrane characteristics were determined.
Membranes were characterized according to their ion exchange capacity (IEC),
degree of sulphonation (DS), proton conductivity, thermal stability and
performance in a fuel cell stack. The synthesized membranes were found to have
proton conductivities in the order of 10-3-10-2 S/cm in their fully hydrated
state, which increased with an increase in the degree of sulphonation. Results
obtained revealed that the synthesized membranes are thermally stable and its
performance in a fuel cell.
Title: Performance Evaluation of a 1.2 KW Fuel Cell
Authors: Thapelo Pholo (
Abstract: Fuel cell (FC) systems have
emerged as a promising alternative to conventional power technologies over the
past decade owing to their high efficiency, low aggression to the environment,
excellent dynamic response and superior reliability and durability. In this
paper, the results of the evaluation of a 1.2 KW FC including the
electrochemical model are reported. The FC stack dynamic simulation using
SIMULINKTM and the experimental results are also presented. In the end the
dynamic behaviour and modelling results are used to predict the output voltage,
power, efficiency and the polarisation curves of the FC.
Title: A Methanol Concentration Controller for Fuel Cells
Authors: Marius Viljoen (Vaal University of
Technology), Christo Pienaar (Vaal University of Technology)
Abstract: Fuel cells are used for backup power in remote telecommunications sites. This paper focuses on a prototype methanol controller built with an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the density of the methanol/water mixture and a sensor for the temperature of the mixture. The controller was calibrated to determine the amount per volume of water and methanol which enables the controller to control the percentage of methanol in the water. The prototype addresses one of the problems in methanol fuel cells called “Methanol Crossover”. Methanol crossover occurs when methanol is not completely used in the process of generating electrons, and a certain percentage of the methanol is wasted. Crossover may damage the proton exchange membrane of the fuel cell and also reduce the efficiency and lifespan of a DMFC.