Ayar, Murat; Cinoglu, Bahadır; Iulianelli, Adolfo; Karakoc, T. Hikmet

This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of membrane technologies for hydrogen-related processes in aviation, specifically focusing on hydrogen production, hydrogen separation, and fuel cells. As aviation seeks to transition to cleaner energy solutions, the selection of appropriate membranes is critical for ensuring efficiency and sustainability. The research utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically assess membrane alternatives based on key criteria: economic factors, environmental impact, technical performance, and technological maturity. By conducting pairwise comparisons and detailed matrix calculations, this study establishes the relative importance of sub-criteria and ranks membrane types for each hydrogen-related application. The analysis identifies Nonporous Dense Films as the most effective membrane for hydrogen production, due to their balance of cost and technical performance. For hydrogen separation, Ceramic and Metal Membranes are determined to be the optimal choice, offering superior durability, hydrogen permeability, and thermal stability. In fuel cell applications, Electrically Charged Membranes are found to be the most suitable for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), while Ceramic and Metal Membranes excel in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). The outcomes of this study not only highlight the most suitable membranes for different aviation hydrogen processes but also offer a strategic framework for decision-makers. By identifying the key factors driving membrane selection, this research contributes to advancing hydrogen adoption in aviation, facilitating the development of efficient, low-emission technologies for the future of sustainable air travel.

Güldüren, Muhammed Emin; İskenderoğlu, Demet; Güney, Harun; Morkoç Karadeniz, Sibel; Acar, Merve; Gür, Emre

Here, a specific metal oxide (CuO) and its impurity (Cr) added composites were grown onto glass substrates as nanostructured thin films by executing ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The effects of the varied Cr dopant concentration on the morphological, structural, optical and H2 gas sensor properties of the synthesized CuO thin films were determined by conducting scanning electron microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and gas detection analyses. The X-Ray Diffraction analysis revealed the presence of CuO crystals with predominant (111) plane and it changed to (002) orientation for the doped samples, where crystallite sizes varied between 32 and 46 nm. The structural studies disclosed that the crystalline structure modified due to the added impurities. The scanning electron microscopy observations unveiled polyhedron-like shape formations of the synthesized nanostructures which also showed clear indications of changed morphology due to the impacts of different Cr doping percentages. Besides, the presence of copper, oxygen, and chromium was confirmed by EDX elemental analysis as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical examination concluded that absorbance values followed a random trend with respect to the increased impurity contents while bandgap decreased with the increase of doping concentration. And, it was also noted that the luminescent emission peaks decreased in the photoluminescence spectroscopy as a result of introduced impurity levels. Finally, H2 responsivity was detected for the grown films and found out that the impurity doping notably increased the sensitivity of the gas sensor based on the prepared CuO nanostructures.

Yilmaz, Harun; Schröder, Lukas; Hillenbrand, Thomas; Brüggemann, Dieter

In this study, effects of hydrogen addition on combustion and flame propagation characteristics of methane/air mixtures were investigated in a constant volume combustion chamber. Tested gas mixtures are 100% CH4, 05% H2 – 95% CH4, 10% H2 – 90% CH4 and 15% H2 – 85% CH4, and such mixtures were ignited using a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser ignitor which has a pulse energy of 12.3 mJ, pulse duration of 2.4 ns and wave length of 1064 nm. A Schlieren setup coupled with a high-speed camera enabled evaluating flame propagation behavior, while pressure curve analysis provided necessary data for characterization of combustion properties. Additionally, lean flammability limits of gas mixtures were also determined at the test conditions. The unique properties of hydrogen (such as low density, high reactivity, high diffusivity etc) widened lean flammability limit. Rate of pressure rise and measured pressure values increased with hydrogen addition, regardless of the air-fuel equivalence ratio (λ). Lastly, hydrogen addition uniformly affected flame propagation characteristics and flame luminosity. Combustion process became more stable with hydrogen addition.

Güldüren, Muhammed Emin; İskenderoğlu, Demet; Güney, Harun; Gür, Emre; Acar, Merve; Morkoç Karadeniz, Sibel

Pure and nickel doped copper oxide thin films were successfully grown on a soda lime glass substrates including various amounts (1, 2, 4, and 8%) of nickel dopants via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The effects of the different impurity doping concentrations on the structural, morphological, optical, and H2 gas sensing properties of the prepared samples were assessed by performing X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, gas sensing measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The structural observations revealed that the grown films have polycrystalline nature with monoclinic cubic crystal structure of copper oxide with no secondary phases present, and grain sizes increased in general as the doping percentage increased except for the 4% nickel doped sample. The morphological analysis showed that the impurities clearly led to modifications in the shapes of the grown copper oxide nanocrystals. In the optical measurements, it was uncovered that the ideal impurity level can enhance the absorbance features of the copper oxide material, and a slight increase in bandgap occurred due to the first level of impurity doping, but then the bandgap decreased as the impurity contents increased. A gradual decrease in the intensity of luminescent emissions was observed in the photoluminescence spectra as the doping concentration increased, which may be associated with the defects caused by the added nickel ions into the copper oxide lattices. Gas sensor measurements disclosed that the produced films were responsive when exposed to H2 gas, and enhanced responsivity was realized by the nickel doping compared to that of pure copper oxide sample. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of aimed chemical compositions in the prepared thin films.

Timurkutluk, Cigdem; Bilgil, Keremhan; Celen, Ali; Onbilgin, Sezer; Altan, Tolga; Aydin, Ugur

In this study, anode supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are fabricated by extrusion method and the effects of powder size, thickness and sintering temperature of the anode functional layer (AFL) on the electrochemical performance is experimentally investigated. For this purpose, four different commercial NiO powders are tested as initial powder for the fabrication of the anode functional layer. The thickness of AFL is also considered by varying the number of coatings. After deciding the optimum initial NiO powder size used in AFL and AFL thickness, the effect of pre-sintering temperature is examined. The performance tests are performed at an operating temperature of 800 °C under hydrogen and air. The microstructures of the samples are also investigated by a scanning electron microscope. The best peak power density is obtained as ∼0.5 W/cm2 from the cell having a single layer anode functional layer pre-sintered at 1250 °C prepared by NiO powders with 4 m2/g surface area.

Sivri, Ilker; Yilmaz, Harun; Cam, Omer; Yilmaz, Ilker

In this study, effects of fuel composition, swirl number and hydrogen addition on combustion and emission characteristics of various biogas mixtures were experimentally investigated. To this end, a laboratory scale combustor and a swirl stabilized premixed burner were designed and manufactured. Later on, this combusting apparatus was equipped with flow, control, safety and measurement tools, hence entire test system was constituted. Combustion and emission characteristics of tested biogas mixtures were determined by measuring temperature and species (CO2, CO, O2 and NO) distributions throughout the combustion chamber. Additionally, flame structures of tested biogas mixtures were evaluated by examining flame luminosity, visible flame length and flame thickness from instantaneous flame images. Results of this study showed that both radial and axial temperature distribution variations of tested biogas mixtures differently alter with hydrogen addition based on the gas composition. Although flame temperature increases with swirl number at burner outlet, it presents a non-monotonous dependence on swirl number outside the flame region because of the modified flow characteristics. This is also the case for emissions of CO2.

Ozbek, Emre; Yalin, Gorkem; Karaoglan, Mustafa Umut; Ekici, Selcuk; Colpan, C. Ozgur; Karakoc, T. Hikmet

The flight endurance of UAV systems is an important issue that restricts the operational capabilities. Thus, different energy systems and alternative onboard energy generation systems have been tested for the UAVs. Within these systems, fuel cells provide high energy density that can increase flight endurance greatly. In this study, a PEM fuel cell – Li-Po battery hybrid system has been developed by evaluating three architecture models. In the guide of the experimental power demand data of a fixed-wing UAV, modeling and testing procedures were performed. Battery voltage and fuel cell current variations observed during the ground tests were evaluated. It has been observed that approximately 160–170 W of the 250 W power is met by the fuel cell since no preconditioning has been applied and the temperature values at which the fuel cell exhibits its optimum performance. In the case where the fuel cell could provide 7.8 An under conditions where the humidification effects were not included in the model, the required current was over 7.8 A between approximately 400-1200 s. The fuel cell and battery behavior in response to the sudden power changes and to the uncertainties corresponding to the changes in the motor power during the flight are also detailed.

Ganjehsarabi, Hadi

In this study, a performance assessment of a solar-powered high-pressure proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for hydrogen production is conducted. The feasibility analysis of photovoltaic systems equipped with a high pressure PEM electrolyzer is presented for a university campus-scale community in Erzincan- Turkey. Variable solar irradiance data sets are utilized to assess the performance of the proposed system. A parametric study is conducted in order to evaluate the influence of some design parameters as well as operating conditions on the efficiency of the system. Efficiency of the overall system in the case of relevant inverter sizing is in the range of 11–12%. An ascent of the number of stacks leads to an increase in production rate which is almost linear by photovoltaic (PV) array size. The results shows that in order to have a higher efficiency, the inverter size should be higher than 0.75% of maximum excess power. The proposed system investigated in this study shows great promise of opening up opportunity to develop the high pressure PEM electrolyzer.

Ganjehsarabi, Hadi

The possibility of utilizing low temperature heat source systems for producing electricity has been significant due to increasing energy demand. In this study, the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) integrated with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is analyzed thermodynamically and economically. A mixture of butane, pentane and iso-pentane is selected as working fluid. The results show that utilizing the mixed refrigerant enhances the performance of the system and results in a higher hydrogen production rate because of a glide match of temperature profiles in the heat exchangers. Economic analysis results which are helpful in designing entire the system show that the highest cost component is electrolyzer, followed by the turbine and condenser.

Yilmaz, Harun

Major challenges for micro combustors are high heat losses and inappropriate residence time. In this study, it was aimed to eliminate these challenges via placing bluff bodies into the combustion zone and combusting fuel with oxygen enriched air. To this end, micro combustor models with different geometries were constructed and in these models, premixed H2/air combustion was simulated by using ANSYS/Fluent CFD code to investigate effects of bluff body shape, location and thickness, and low level O2 enhancement on performance determining parameters such as rate of conversion of fuel to useable heat, temperature uniformity, pollutant emissions etc. To further analyze effects of micro combustor geometry, a perforated plate was also placed into the combustion zone. Thermal performance of the micro combustor with perforated plate insertion in O2 enriched conditions was found to be highest in terms of increased reaction kinetics and heat transfer characteristics. The trade-offs of respective design are increased NOx emissions and slightly decreased temperature uniformity.