@masterthesis{Dai, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Dai, Chenke}, title = {Testing the Influence of Platinum Load on Performance of Fuel Cells Using Impedance Spectroscopy and Current Voltage Measurement}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-7730}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {67}, abstract = {Increasing Platinum catalyst loading in proton exchange membrane fuel cell is supposed to increase the performance and lifetime. However, Platinum is an extremely expensive material. Therefore, increasing loading could contribute to the price significantly. The aim of this work is to measure the proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance under three different catalyst loading on cathode and determine the optimum loading for performance in these three tested loading levels. The tested cathodic loadings are 0.3 mg/cm2, 0.6 mg/cm2 and 0.9 mg/cm2. By applying two methods: current-voltage measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the open circuit voltages, polarization, power output and impedance were recorded. From the experiment, it is found that the internal resistance decreased with increasing Platinum loadings on the cathode. The simulation results indicate this change is mostly contributed by decreasing cathodic resistance. With increasing cathodic Platinum loading, the cathodic resistance decreases. It is also found during experiments, the polarization, open circuit voltage and power performance first increased and then stayed at same level. These indicators showed best performance at 0.6 mg/cm2 cathodic loading level. Combined with simulation results, the large impedance value of constant phase element in equivalent model for 0.9 mg/cm2 loading is considered as the reason why the power performance stop improving.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Helou2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Helou, Ziad}, title = {Opportunities and challenges for the solar industry in Lebanon.}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Lebanon faces a significant energy crisis characterized by unreliable electricity supply, political instability, and outdated infrastructure. This thesis explores the potential of solar energy as a sustainable solution to address these challenges, focusing on economic, technical, and regulatory barriers while drawing comparative insights from Cyprus's renewable energy model. The research examines three primary questions regarding the economic and technical challenges hindering solar energy adoption in Lebanon, the lessons that can be learned from Cyprus to inform solutions, and the comprehensive strategies that can support the development of Lebanon's solar energy sector. The findings reveal that while Lebanon has experienced rapid growth in solar energy adoption, the sector is undermined by systemic issues such as low-quality imports, skill gaps, insufficient grid infrastructure, and the dominance of diesel generators. Comparative analysis with Cyprus underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks, financial accessibility, public-private partnerships, and accreditation systems for solar installers. Additionally, the analysis highlights the critical role of improving capacity factors in Lebanon, with findings showing that even a 1\% increase could supply power to over 16,000 homes, emphasizing the potential efficiency gains for Lebanon's solar energy sector. The thesis also evaluates Lebanon's progress toward its 2030 renewable energy targets, noting that while the country appears to have met these targets in percentage terms, the achievement is largely a result of reduced electricity generation rather than genuine renewable capacity growth. Recommendations include enforcing quality standards, establishing national accreditation systems, addressing corruption, and leveraging international funding for infrastructure modernization and workforce development. This research emphasizes that Lebanon's transition to renewable energy is not only a technical and economic endeavor but also a pathway to greater energy independence and environmental sustainability.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Besliu2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Besliu, Stas}, title = {Emulsion splitting by applying CO2 and pressure}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21931}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {55}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This investigation is focused on analysing pressurized CO2 injection as a technique for breaking oil-in-water emulsions and proposing an efficient substitute for conventional methods. The destabilisation mechanisms, flotation rate acceleration, and segregation of phases in the system undergo considerable improvement through CO2 microbubbles formation. The ability to effectively separate and isolate aqueous and oil phases is important for treating industrial wastewater, hence optimizing waste reduction and resource recovery. The laboratory studies explore various operational parameters, such as CO₂ consumption efficiency, pressure variations, and residence time, in order to optimize splitting in various emulsion mixtures. The studies proved to effectively provide up to 95\% total organic carbon (TOC) reduction, particularly achieved in combination with prolonged flotation and settling. Significantly, treatment by CO2-induced separations proved to have most efficiency in synthetic Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SDS)-based emulsions and in industrial scenarios such as in cooling lubricants. In addition, prolonging flotation time to an overnight timeframe significantly increased TOC reduction in the case of the SDS emulsion. The presented results offer a new look over the experimental development of separation technologies, demonstrating the effective splitting of emulsions by injecting CO2 without additional pressure input and thus its feasibility in an industrial setting. In addition to providing a chemical-free separation alternative, this method offers the advantage of reduced energy input and the potential for CO2 recapture and reuse as well as oil recovery.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Schlueter, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Schl{\"u}ter, Leon}, title = {Modelling Power Generation of Photovoltaics using Weather Data for the Design of an Electrolysis System}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-18547}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {100}, abstract = {To simplify the process towards the development of necessary hydrogen energy storage systems, this research project provides important information and tools for the planning process of such systems on a small scale. Several questions about a solar powered system using hydrogen for energy storage designed for the companies WSN and ESN, could not be answered sufficiently with the available tools which made developing new tools necessary. This tool incorporates various input variables and PV energy generation data to simulate the system's performance over a year into a Microsoft Excel based simulation. Within the framework of the tool developed over the course of the thesis, theoretical exploration of various options for system composition can take place. The insights gained there can be transferred to the implementation of actual projects and have an impact on the speed at which these projects can be realized. The results of the simulation led to the proposal of a system designed for the company WSN, where hydrogen serves as a long-term energy storage solution. Notably, this approach significantly reduces the surplus energy that goes unused, making the system more efficient. This research contributes valuable insights and practical tools to enhance the planning and implementation of small-scale hydrogen energy storage projects.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Maung, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Maung, Wai Lin}, title = {Design, control and development of gas handling unit for hydrogen supply system for a 10kW fuel cell system}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-20335}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Hydrogen fuel cells have been gaining attentions for marine mobility application because of it's potential as a promising green technology with high energy intensity and reduced weight; Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cell generates electric power by consuming hydrogen and oxygen as reactants. The fuel cell system consists of multiple sub-systems such as anode gas supply components, cathode air compressors with humidification systems and a cooling circuit. They all must be regulated according to the nominated working conditions of the stack, and one of the most important parameters is the hydrogen supply feed of the fuel cell system. The hydrogen supply system must be robust to handle different working conditions of the stacks such as load fluctuation, purging of water and nitrogen from anode side and subsequent pressure fluctuations. It is critical to control the anode pressure with respect to varying conditions since unbalanced H2 supply can lead to membrane failure, hydrogen starvation and drying out which can lead to deterioration and reduce the lifetime of the stack. The thesis describes the development of "Gas Handling Unit" as the effective hydrogen supply system which will be incorporated with a particle filter, switch off solenoid valve, proportional valve, pressure transmitters and a pressure safety valve for venting during critical conditions. The design and control of the gas handling unit is detailed along with material compatibility of metals and sealants polymers with hydrogen applications. The relevant safety regulations and technical standards are identified and followed during the design process.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Izzuddin, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Izzuddin, Kamal}, title = {Experimental and Simulative Study on the Performance of PEM Fuel Cell under Different Operating Conditions}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-15909}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {80}, abstract = {The aim of the thesis is to study the influence of operating conditions on the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) such as temperature, cathode stoichiometry and cathode relative humidity. The experiment is conducted at temperature points of 60°C, 70°C and 80°C, where at each temperature point cathode stoichiometry of 2 and 5 are set. Within each stoichiometry, the cell is operated at cathode relative humidity of 50\%, 75\% and 100\%. The fuel cell performance is analyzed using two methods, current-voltage measurement, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, where the polarization curves, power output density and high-frequency resistance (HFR) are recorded. A numerical analysis is then conducted on a 3-dimensional straight single channel fuel cell and is fitted with the data measured experimentally. Increasing the temperature has a different degree of improvement on the fuel cell's performance based on its cathode stoichiometry and relative humidity settings. The HFR measurements provide an insight into the voltage loss that is exerted by the fuel cell on each test condition. The numerical analysis shows that the impact of operating conditions does not exhibit any significant differences on the fuel cell model.}, language = {en} }