Daniel Minarik

Calculation of efficiency of hydrogen storage system at the fuel cells laboratory

This paper deals with accumulation of electric power by means of hydrogen technology and reverse transformation of such power stored in hydrogen into electric power again. The crucial part of this paper comprises calculation of efficiency achieved by accumulation of power into hydrogen, including the efficiency of individual components forming the accumulation (storage) system located in the fuel cells laboratory of VřB - TU Ostrava. The source of renewable energy in this system is represented by a small photovoltaic power plant feeding the hydrogen generator - electrolyzer as the main appliance for reverse chemical transformation together with hydrogen fuel cells. Both of these appliances operate at low temperature, they are based on PEM (Proton Exchange Membranes) technology. The electrolyzer ensures decomposition of purified water to oxygen and hydrogen by action of direct electric current. The fuel cell houses a reverse process, when chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen are electric power of water result in production of electric power and water.

Analysis of power output from photovoltaic power plant for hydrogen production using electrolysis in TCO

The paper deals with utilization of a photovoltaic power plant, installed on the roof of buildings within the Technological Centre in Ostrava (TCO) for production of hydrogen through electrolysis of water. The hydrogen produced will be stored in pressure vessels and used as fuel in fuel cells. The whole system of electrolysers for hydrogen production, pressure vessels for its storage and fuel cells for regenerating of electric power serve for storage of power supplied by the photovoltaic power plant and these are situated within the hydrogen technologies laboratory at TCO. The paper provides a brief description of specifications of photovoltaic panels and inverters, with further assessment of the power supply during the year 2016, enumeration of the amount of hydrogen that could be produced using the power supplied.

The input analysis of parameters and expected operation modes of energetic technologies in technological centre ENET

This paper deals with a description and partial analysis of energy production units and their implementation in the laboratories of ENET technological centre in Ostrava - Vitkovice. The paper refers to individual types of conventional and non-traditional sources of electric power that are connected to the technological centre distribution grid, together with analysis of their topological configuration, with a presentation showing division of individual power sources into logical technological groups with definition of either nominal or estimated operating parameters. The data summarised in this paper will serve mainly as input material to design a dynamic model, for modelling of transients and short-circuit ratios mainly on non-traditional energy sources, as well as full energetic systems already implemented. That is why the paper also addresses an introduction of concept and expected software products for future creation of the model.

Research on hydrogen technologies in new laboratory of VSB - TU Ostrava

The paper describes the equipment and utilisation of the hydrogen technology laboratory included within the newly developed ENET technological centre for research of renewable energy sources and storage of electric power. The essential fittings of this laboratory comprise electrolyzers for production of hydrogen from de-mineralised water using electric power generated by photovoltaic panels, together with fuel cells for reverse production of electric power from the stored hydrogen.

CFD analysis of temperature distribution of PEM type fuel cell

The paper deals with analysis of temperature rise in a fuel cell module using the CFD numerical model. The module is based on a low-temperature fuel cell with polymer electrolytic membrane. There is a simulation of stable condition, when the cell supplies constant output and the system generates waste heat exhausted through the cooling fins. The aim of analysis was to find potential problematic spots with higher temperature rise values. The results of simulation serve for design of an optimal cooling for the fuel cell.

Technological centre for research of renewable resources and accumulation of electric power

This paper describes the technological centre for research of renewable resources and accumulation of electric power that forms a part of the scheme ENET - Energy Units for Utilization of Non-Traditional Energy Sources. The centre will operate several systems for production and accumulation of electric power. One of them is a pyrolyzing unit for generation of gas from solid waste materials, which will be used further as fuel for engine driving the synchronous generator. Another source of power comprises photovoltaic panels installed on the building roof. Accumulation of electric power supplied by these sources is ensured by the power storage bank and hydrogen technology using electric power for generation of hydrogen by means of water electrolysis, storage of such hydrogen in pressure vessels and its re-use for production of electric power in fuel cells. All the power produced or accumulated can be used to cover the internal consumption of technological centre as well as for supply into the public low voltage distribution grid.

Experiences with the project-oriented learning

The R&D Team SAES (Systems of the Alternate Energy Sources) is a group of teachers, technicians and research and development workers focussing on issues related to sensors, measuring, controlling, and intelligent management of systems using alternative energy sources. The team manages a number of learning and research laboratories and participates in activities by three research and development workplaces. One of the main activities is an active participation in learning process. Team members guarantee and conduct lecturing in a number of subjects in an active way. The introduction of project-oriented learning allowed for the student motivation leading to deeper studies and it put the theory closer to real applications. This education construct and its results have been currently used for the start and maintenance of cooperation between the university and secondary schools. It closely shows activities at the university to secondary school students and prepares them for their future studies.

Fuel cell lab data flows optimization

This article deals with fuel cell hydrogen laboratory analysis, its connection with other subsystems in the Energy Centre VSB -Technical University of Ostrava and following control system and technology visualization. Last part of this article is oriented to security problems of this technology and its visualization via operating modes and user accounts.

Utilisation of thermograhy in the field of PEM fuel cells

The paper deals with utilisation of infrared thermography in the field of hydrogen fuel cells currently being implemented both in stationary and mobile applications. Completed thermovision measurements are used for evaluation of heating curves of particular type of fuel cells represented by the low-temperature cells with a proton exchange membrane (PEM). These cells form part of the experimental power system designed for research on storage of electric power gained from renewable energy sources with an unstable power supply. This system is operated in the Laboratory of fuel cells at VSB - TU Ostrava.