1. General Background Senior design project May03-16, Fuel Cell Project, involves providing our client, MidAmerican Energy, a report containing a detailed analysis of the important issues related to the commercial use of fuel cells. Technical Problem A general background of the physics of fuel cells will be introduced. Fuel cells consume several types of fuel, and create energy with varying chemical processes. Operating Environment Operating conditions of fuel cells are considered to be typical weather conditions present in the Midwest. Intended Users The intended are employees and customers of MidAmerican Energy. Assumptions and Limitations The client has sufficient knowledge of the issues regarding connecting distributed generation to their system at various voltage levels. The client has limited knowledge of fuel cells. The intended application of fuel cells is assumed to be stationary installations for peak load shaving. Currently, fuel cells are not being used as widely as fossil, nuclear, or hydroelectric power generation. This is partially due to the fact that utility generation using fuel cells is a relatively new and expensive technology. The purpose of this research is to present an analysis to MidAmerican Energy on the economic and technical issues surrounding the use of fuel cells for utility power generation. Through research, data compilation and analysis on the power grid, data will be supplied to the client to aid in a decision for implementing fuel cells in the clients’ operating territory. As technology improves, fuel cell usage will increase because of the quality of the power produced, the environmental impact, and the reliability of the units. DC – AC Conversion Export to Bulk Transmission System Abstract Introduction Design Requirements Design Objectives The objective of this project is to research and write a feasibility study for the project client concerning the commercial use of fuel cells for the power generation industry. Economics of customer categories(Rural vs. Urban) Economics of operating conditions(Peak vs. Off-peak) Economics of different fuel cells Functional Requirements The feasibility study will include information concerning the following list of topics: Behavior of natural gas and electricity prices for consumers Market readiness Environmental impact (figure 1) [1] Design Constraints Site location Cost and economic viability Minimum voltage requirements Minimum power output Environmental impacts Measurable Milestones Phase 1: Fuel cell research Phase 2: Evaluate the Pros and Cons Phase 3: Cost analysis for commercially viable fuel cell packages Phase 4: Compile data into a feasibility study with customer feedback Testing Approach End Product Description This project presents a study of fuel cell technology, focusing on the operation of fuel cells as electrical power generation units. MidAmerican energy will use the report to determine the feasibility of fuel cells for peak shaving and distributed generation for customers. Technical Approach Conduct extensive research Establish relationship with end-user Develop report with customer feedback Fuel Cell Basics [2] Energy to Consumers Throughout the year, maintain communication with client on key issues. Conference calls between client, faculty advisor, and team members Continuous e-mail correspondence Budget and Personal Effort Client:MidAmerican Energy / James Parker Faculty Advisor:Dr. Vijay Vittal Team May 03-16 Members:Hours Financial Budget Hamed AbdelsalamEE75 Poster:$60 Brian AndersonEE80 Misc. Costs:$20 Brad DavisEE85 Total Estimated Costs$80 Curtis IrwinEE77 Acknowledgement We would like to thank James Parker of MidAmerican Energy for proposing this project to the Iowa State University, EE Dept. Senior Design 1 2 3 4 Extracted hydrogen enters the anode Oxygen (Air) enters the cathode Hydrogen electrons separate via anode catalyst; the electrolyte transfers the hydrogen ions only Electrons are utilized in an external circuit for energy consumption 1 1 2 3 4 Electrons, hydrogen ions, and oxygen recombine into water References 1.http://www.utcfuelcells.com/commercial/pc25summary.shtml 2.http://www.fe.doe.gov/coal_power/fuelcells/fuelcells_howitworks.shtml