Paper Title
Benefit-Function of Two- Identical Cold Standby Fuel Cell Technology System Subject to Failure of Fuel Cell Operation Due to High Temperature, Pressure or Relative Humidity of Reactant Gas
Abstract
The main objective of the Chemical Sources of Energy Programme is the development and applications of fuel cell technology which produces electricity, water and heat through reaction between hydrogen and oxygen/air. The fuel cell technology offers high conversion efficiency, modularity, compactness and noise-free operations. Fuel Cells are environmentally benign. Hydrogen is the primary fuel for fuel cells. Other fuels can also be used to produce hydrogen gas with the aid of reformers. Because of modular nature, fuel cells are ideally suited for de-centralized power generation and for automotive application. Prototypes of polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs) have been developed in kW size in India. The applications of these prototypes have been demonstrated for power generation (PEMFC & PAFC) and transport sectors (PEMFC).A fuel cell-battery hybrid vehicles with indigenously developed PEMFC stack of 10kW had undergone field performance evaluation. Efforts made are expected to lead to the indigenous production and wider applications of fuel cell systems in the country. This programme focuses on development and demonstration of fuel cells, which produce electricity, water and heat through reaction between hydrogen and oxygen/air. Hydrogen is the primary fuel for fuel cells. Hydrogen for fuel cells can be produced by reformation of other fuels. It can also be produced from coal and biomass and by electrolysis of water. Renewable energy sources and nuclear energy can also be used for production of hydrogen. Because of their modular nature, fuel cells are ideally suited for distributed power generation. Small fuel cell power packs can be used for power generation by industrial and residential users. Fuel Cells are emerging as power sources for automobiles. A 10 kW PEMFC has been used in a prototype vehicle developed in India, in addition to a battery bank. Efforts are being made to develop indigenous technology for production of fuel cell systems in the country. The widespread use of fuel cells for power generation, transport and other applications is expected to reduce dependence on scarce fossil fuels and help in preserving the environment. In this paper we have taken failure of fuel cell operation due to high temperature, pressure or relative humidity of reactant gas. When the main unit fails then cold standby system becomes operative. Failure of fuel cell operation due to relative humidity of reactant gas cannot occur simultaneously in both the units and after failure the unit due to high temperature; pressure undergoes very costly repair facility immediately. Applying the regenerative point technique with renewal process theory the various reliability parameters MTSF, Availability, Busy period, Benefit-Function analysis have been evaluated.
Keywords- Cold Standby, Failure of Fuel Cell Operation Due to High Temperature, Pressure or Relative Humidity of Reactant Gas, First Come First Serve, MTSF, Availability, Busy period, Benefit -Function.