Performance assessment of an integrated PEFC and an hydrogen storage device based on innovative material

• A scale-up of the composite material synthesis was carried out.
• Design and development of H2 prototype tank containing the powder synthesized.
• A 25 cm2 Fuel Cell and a H2 tank with a capacity of 18 cm3 were integrated.
• The nominal power produced by the PEFC cell has been between 6 and 10 W for 400–500 s.

Storage of hydrogen in solid materials has the potential to become a safe and efficient way to store energy, both for stationary and mobile applications. An integrated small scale system, integrating a small hydrogen tank, with a capacity of 18 cm3, and a 25 cm2 PEFC single cell, has been tested to assess the performance of an innovative hydrogen storage material based on manganese oxide anchored to a polymeric matrix having a hydrogen storage capacity of about 1 wt%. A Labview software application has been developed for data logging and control of the test set-up. Sorption process has been achieved by setting the charging time and recording pressure vs. time. The electrochemical tests were performed at 80 °C (PEFC cell temperature) and several discharge–charge cycles have been performed at different pressure and two discharge rates (i.e. 100 and 200 ml/min). The nominal power produced by the PEFC cell has been between 6 and 10 W, with an average discharge time of 400–500 s.