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A Mathematical Model for Hydrogen Production from a Proton Exchange Membrane Photoelectrochemical Cell

Van Scoy, Bryan Richard
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1326217817

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, University of Akron, Applied Mathematics.
A single-phase, one-dimensional, non-isothermal model is developed to describe the proton distribution, electric potential, water content, and temperature profile throughout a proton exchange membrane photoelectrolysis cell (PEM PEC). The anode catalyst layer, membrane, and cathode catalyst layer are modeled while the effects of the water channels are accounted for in boundary conditions. The Nafion membrane contains SO3- charges which are modeled by delta functions. The total current density is composed of the current due to electrolysis and the photocurrent caused by sunlight due to the photoelectric effect. Numerical techniques are implemented to solve the coupled partial differential equations describing the system. Results include predictions of the amount of hydrogen production along with steady-state distributions of protons, electric potential, water content, and temperature throughout the cell. Data are compared for various sets of parameters to a default case. Hydrogen production for the default case is 5.86 mL/min while values of up to 22.5 mL/min were obtained by increasing the size of the cell. Other variables studied include the number of SO3- and H+ groups in the membrane, spacing of the charge groups, and sizes of the regions along with the effects of photocurrent, mobility, and temperature on hydrogen production.
Gerald Young, Dr. (Advisor)
Curtis Clemons, Dr. (Advisor)
Kevin Kreider, Dr. (Other)
74 p.
Applied Mathematics
PEM PEC; hydrogen production; homogenization

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Van Scoy, B. R. (2012). A Mathematical Model for Hydrogen Production from a Proton Exchange Membrane Photoelectrochemical Cell [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1326217817

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Van Scoy, Bryan. A Mathematical Model for Hydrogen Production from a Proton Exchange Membrane Photoelectrochemical Cell. 2012. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1326217817.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Van Scoy, Bryan. "A Mathematical Model for Hydrogen Production from a Proton Exchange Membrane Photoelectrochemical Cell." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1326217817

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.