Liquid Metal Anode for JP-8 Fuel Cell

摘要

Report developed under STTR contract W911NF-08-C-0075 for topic A08- T007. JP-8 is a high-energy density liquid fuel available to the soldier, but its electrochemical oxidation in a fuel cell is problematic. The purpose of this effort is to advance the development of a liquid metal based fuel cell operating directly on JP-8 for application in a field portable battery charger. During Phase 1 an evaluation was performed of a range of liquid metal anodes capable of oxidizing JP-8, including several p-orbital metals. Liquid tin selected as the only anode material that has demonstrated sustainable electrochemical oxidation of JP-8. The relevant physio-chemical governing parameters were defined for fuel oxidation by liquid tin. One-dimensional steady state and transient simulation models of the fuel cell were created. The models identified optimization pathways including reduced cathode polarization and lower electrolyte polarization. Finally, a conceptual design was developed for a complete 500 watt battery charger operating on JP-8. Based on mission needs analysis, a systems requirement matrix was developed. Systems engineering tasks included a system level thermodynamic analysis and development of conceptual drawings of the overall system. Suggested tasks for Phase 2 include the construction of a direct JP-8 stack for testing and demonstration.