Progettazione e realizzazione del sistema di compressione e trattamento dell'aria catodica per un banco di prova di celle a combustibile a metanolo diretto = The design and manufacturing of the cathode air compression and treatment system for a test bench of direct methanol fuel cells

The growing concern about climate change and the energy crisis has driven the development of technologies aimed at reducing environmental impacts, such as renewable energy sources and the use of energy carriers like hydrogen or methanol in fuel cells. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from fuels into electrical energy and heat with high efficiency. Despite their wide recognition, several technological challenges remain, hindering their extensive use. To improve fuel cell technology, specialised test benches are used to control and monitor critical operating conditions, such as fuel supply, air flow, temperature, and humidity. This thesis introduces a new air treatment system for a fuel cell test bench, enabling precise control of air temperature, humidity, and flow rate. Accurate control of these air properties is essential for studying fuel cell performance under conditions similar to those in the real world. By managing the inlet air parameters, it is possible to gain deeper insights into fuel cell behaviour and identify ways to improve efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The core of this work focuses on evaluating two potential configurations for the air treatment system: heating the air first and then humidifying it, or humidifying the air first and then heating it. Using psychrometric principles and equations, the feasibility of each approach is analysed to achieve the desired temperature and humidity conditions required by the fuel cell, given the starting conditions in the laboratory environment. The findings of this thesis offer a novel approach to the design of air treatment systems for fuel cell test benches, addressing a critical gap in the integration of renewable energy technologies. The insights gained from this research can support the ongoing development and optimisation of fuel cell systems, ultimately aiding the transition towards a sustainable energy future.