Characterization of Zn-air fuel cells for usage in energy storage and propulsion system

Abstract

Zn-air devices can be used as either batteries or fuel cells. In both implementations, they hold great promises for future energy applications thanks to their relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly raw materials, compared with the precious metal catalyst such as platinum, ruthenium or palladium used in other technologies. This work describes the results of the experimental characterization of a Zn-air fuel cell and its comparison, in terms of performance and efficiency with a “standard” fuel cell system represented by a PEM cell fed by hydrogen. The novelty of the investigation with respect to the state of the art is the characterization of Zn as a fuel and the analysis of the overall efficiency of the cell including thermodynamics, polarization and fuel usage losses. Moreover, the effect of electrolyte flow rate and electrolyte aging on the polarization curve of a Zn-air is analyzed.