The Power of Reversible Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Separating Hydrogen and Oxygen from Water

Introduction:

The quest for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to significant advancements in the field of hydrogen fuel cells. One of the key challenges in harnessing hydrogen as an energy carrier is the separation of hydrogen and oxygen gases from water. In recent years, reversible hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as a promising solution for this task. In this article, we will explore the workings of reversible hydrogen fuel cells and their role in efficiently extracting hydrogen and oxygen from water.

 

Understanding Reversible Hydrogen Fuel Cells:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells, also known as reversible proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are a variant of traditional PEMFCs. While conventional PEMFCs generate electricity from hydrogen gas, reversible fuel cells can operate in reverse mode, enabling the production of hydrogen and oxygen gases from water.

 

Mechanism of Action:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells operate through a series of electrochemical reactions that take place within the cell. Let's dive into the detailed process:

1. Electrolysis Mode:

In the electrolysis mode, an external electrical current is supplied to the reversible fuel cell, initiating the splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

• At the anode:

2H2O (liquid) → 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) + O2 (oxygen gas)

• At the cathode:

4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) → 2H2 (hydrogen gas)

 

When the electrical current is applied, water molecules at the anode are oxidized, releasing protons (H+) and electrons (e-). The protons migrate through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit. At the cathode, the protons and electrons combine, resulting in the production of hydrogen gas.

2. Fuel Cell Mode:

 

During the fuel cell mode, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are supplied to the reversible fuel cell, which then generates electrical energy through the reverse reaction.

• At the anode:

2H2 (hydrogen gas) → 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons)

• At the cathode:

O2 (oxygen gas) + 4H+ (protons) + 4e- (electrons) → 2H2O (liquid)

 

In this mode, hydrogen gas is oxidized at the anode, releasing protons and electrons. The protons migrate through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electrical power. At the cathode, oxygen gas combines with protons and electrons to form water.

Note: This animation from FREUDENBERG Youtube Channel will remove your confusion about Electrons migration and producing Electricity.

Efficiency and Advantages:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells offer several advantages over traditional electrolysis methods for hydrogen production. Firstly, they are highly efficient, allowing for the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy (hydrogen) with minimal energy loss. Secondly, these fuel cells can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, enabling sustainable hydrogen production. Furthermore, reversible fuel cells provide the flexibility to switch between electrolysis and fuel cell modes, making them versatile for various applications.

 

Conclusion:

 

Reversible hydrogen fuel cells represent a significant leap forward in the field of hydrogen separation from water. By leveraging the principles of electrochemistry, these innovative cells enable the efficient extraction of hydrogen and oxygen gases. With their high efficiency and adaptability, reversible fuel cells hold great potential for a sustainable and clean energy future, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.

 

Once again, many thanks from ELBCAMPUS administration for providing us such an interesting subject with great practical methods.

 

Naeem Nekmal

Hamburg, Deutschland

June, 2023

Sorubi Recreational Park Phase I

Recreation areas and resorts are one of the three basic necessities of human beings, which are work, rest, and Amusement.
Recreational Areas are where people go on holidays for fun and relaxation.
The existence of recreational areas such as green parks, gardens, agricultural farms, and gardening is
extremely important not only for entertainment and recreation but also in the protection of the environment and the beauty of the city.
Sorubi district of Kabul province, Afghanistan is one of the main options for recreation with its refreshing climate and wonderful potential.
Residents of the eastern zone of the capital, which is visited by visitors every year. According to the statistics, the Recreation areas on holidays, especially on Fridays in the warm seasons of the year may have a large number of #visitors, which is an estimated about 4000 - 5000 visitors.
Sorubi Recreational Park Phase I (Bagh-e Rayees) is one of the recreational areas which has been planned in 10 hectares area that is used by tourists in almost all seasons of the year.

@nekmalblog

Role of Consultants in Construction Industry What is a Consulting Civil Engineer?

A consulting engineer or construction consultant can be termed as the one who is completely independent and professional engineer and performs well-detailed engineering services to his client on an agreed sum of money. The prerequisites of a consulting engineer are that he has to be registered in the state or the country resides to perform as a Professional Engineer.

The segment of services offered by a consulting engineer not only render to a specific profile as they also include with the general practice. The consulting engineer must be remain unbiased with the recommendation laid by him and should be devoid of any influence.

Qualities of consultants:

A consulting engineer along with his expertise field has various other qualities which enhance the work quality over the field. Some of which are expressed below:

• A good amount of brushed up knowledge of business and finances procedures.
• Human relations and team spirit to keep up the high morale
• Leadership skills to convince clients with the data
• Excellent language skills to have a conversation in a foreign language with clients in overseas countries.
• Maintaining sanctity by not accepting any amount of commissions in the delivery materials.

Need for a  Construction consultant:

The necessity of a consultant in the very early of the project cannot be by-passed as serious errors are prone to occur. In case the site is purchased for the construction of a building but soil analysis proved the site is unsuitable for loads of buildings and needs a special type of foundation. The excess of money spent over special foundation could have been easily retained in case a consultant had been hired before the purchase of site.

Roles of a construction consultant:

Consultation

Consultation is the situation that arises when a person needs and opinion regarding a technical engineering problem from an expert civil engineering consultant. This may be requiring a varied amount of time depending upon the critical nature of the problem. The duration of consultation may be brief or may be extended to some duration or may require considerable travel to the site.

Investigation of Problem

The construction consultant needs to study the problem over the field which might involve some amount of engineering calculations and whereas some consultants may also require a paid visit to the site and inspect the structure and the types of equipment over the construction site. Consultants also need to review the reports and investigation prepared by the client’s management and engineers.

Feasibility reports

These reports play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of the project after obtaining the results of the survey and engineering studies performed over the site. These reports are also necessary in order to confirm the engineering solution adopted to confirm the economic feasibility of the structure. The aspects considered in the feasibility report are the requirements and the special needs of the project, estimated construction cost, alternate solution, and expert recommendation and conclusions.

Engineering design

This aspect includes the dimensions and physical characteristics of the structure to be constructed. The dimensions of the structure are presented in the form of drawing which in laymen terms are refereed as the blueprint. These blueprints are supplemented along with written documents, commonly known as specifications.

Plans and specifications are curatively studied by consultant in order to direct the contractor regarding the work expected from him. The design process is also helpful in preparing the list of the materials to be procured often known as the bill of quantizes to initiate the construction process.

The role of a consultant in construction projects is to assist the clients with choosing the best contractor best for the project or also in case of the purchase of materials. Procurement is the crucial process in which consultant usually accepts receipts of proposals from one or many materials suppliers and selection is made on the basis of the quality of material and economical feasibility.

Bids are solicited from the manufacturers and contractors through public notices along with plans, specifications, bids and contract documents in accordance with the legal documents. As the bids and renders are opened publically, the consulting civil engineer recommends the best contractor according to bids posted to the client.

Construction Supervision

The consultant has to keep a keen eye over the construction which is primarily bifurcated into two parts as of general supervision and resident supervision:

General supervision

1. Timely and periodic visit to the site
2. Consultation and guidance to client/owner
3. Interpretation plan drawings and specification
4. Checking the authenticity of drawing and data provided
5. Processing and estimating contractor progress and further payments
6. Guiding in amendments to contractors contract
7. Final inspection and validation of project
8. Preparation of “as-built’ drawings

 Resident supervision

1. This aspect of supervision requires the consulting engineer to send a representative or an engineer to the site of the project.
2. The resident engineer over the site takes care of detailed inspection of the structure being constructed as per specifications and plans.

Legal services

Consultants play a vital role as an expert in the court proceeding and advise the client and lawyers on engineering related matters.
We hope now you are aware of the Role of Construction consultants in project management. Happy Learning!

Sorubi Recreational Park and its Social and Environmental Effect on the Region:

By: Eng. Mohammad Naeem Nekmal | Sorubi Economic Zone Project Manager

Recreational areas and resorts are one of the three basic necessities of man, namely work, rest and recreation. The resorts are said to be the places where people go on vacation for fun and exhaustion. The existence of recreational areas such as lush parks, gardens, agricultural farms, and gardens are extremely important not only for recreation but also for the protection of the environment and the beauty of urban areas.

 From the psychological point of view, recreation has a profound effect on the human psyche. Just as we need food in need of fun, having fun throughout the week helps keep our lives out of shape and alleviates mental depression, if recreation is not included in the division of life, the body becomes vulnerable and causes psychological damage, such as depression and boredom. The lack of complete security, poverty, and other social issues have made the culture of recreation in the country less.

Project Goals:

Objectives and components of the project are:

·         Establishment of public facilities.

·         Creating a healthier sanctuary for Kabul citizens and other visitors.

·         Encouraging the private sector to invest.

·         Revitalize and improve the sustainable environment.

·         Creating employment and source of sustained income and development of public facilities.

·         Reconstruction of sanctuary areas, whether natural or non-natural.

·         Better prospect and landscape in the area.

Related Sector

The project is directly related to the balanced development and the development of Sorubi economic zone to improve the level of economy of the country and the region.

Analyze and evaluate the past and present state of the sector in terms of quantity and quality.

·         Recent years in the urban the development sector has made good progress, on the other hand, technology and building materials are abundantly available. In the past, there have been many problems in this sector, which has led to urban planning not being fully implemented. 

·         Lack of green areas and purple trees in the area, which is in agreement with the microclimate of the area and still has a special beauty.

·         Environmental pollution such as water pollution and lack of sanitation, air pollution and traffic noise from urban traffic noise.

·         Lack of proper management of revenues and taxes.

·         Avoidance of birds and ducks as a result of environmental problems

·         Release of repairs near waterway

·         usurpation of government land

·         Lack of a safe recreational area for families

·         Lack of standard and safe recreational facilities

·         Existence of non-standard wooden and metal stands that reduce the beauty of the area

·         Lack of public internal traffic and congestion

·         Lack of strategic development plans for the present and future development of the site

The role and impact of the project in the development of other sectors and the national economy;

 Implementation of this project will help to make the country more fun. 
The project will eliminate the problem of standard amusement parks at the level of the capital zone. The project will address the basic human needs and provide an area for rest and relaxation. 
By creating a peaceful and green space, separate parks for esteemed families, youth and children, public service areas, restaurants, etc. will alleviate depression and depression.

Providing social justice with appropriate and equitable participation in the provision of social and public facilities

Environmental Benefits

Parks and recreation infrastructure and facilities promote conservation and environmental sustainability.

Parks facilities conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, protect air and water quality, and preserve open space for current and future generations. Through stewardship activities, parks can involve the public in conservation efforts and increase awareness of environmental needs. Parks and open space conserves scenic vistas, maintains healthy ecosystems, and provides carbon‐reducing sustainable landscapes.

Social and Equity Benefits

Parks and recreation facilities also, provide social and equity benefits for community members.

Public parks provide equal access to all citizens regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or ability. Parks and recreation facilities can foster community pride, bring people together, create destination-oriented places, and connect people to each other and nature. “Pocket parks” are small outdoor spaces, often in urban areas, that provide active recreation opportunities for residents—including children—in underserved areas. According to an issue brief on pocket parks by the National Recreation and Park Association, successful parks have four key qualities. They are accessible, allow people to engage in activities, comfortable, and sociable places. These small parks may be created by transforming vacant lots, rooftops, or previously hardscape areas along sidewalks and active transportation routes.

About the Author


Project Manager / Economic Zone @ Capital Region Independent Development Authority.
Graduated from Kabul Polytechnic University in 2009 since then he has been working as a Site Engineer and quality control engineer, Project Manager, Construction Manager, QA engineer, Provincial manager, and Technical manager / Coordinator he has been mainly responsible for Training for MoE (Ministry of Education) Infrastructure Team engineers and making proposal for the project and mainly responsible for several ADB highway and Ring Road Projects in Afghanistan.

Chahar Asyab Terminal

 4.177 km Boundary Wall of Chahar Asyab Terminal project in Kabul province Chahar Asyab District which is under construction and about 50% completed, this information is just about the terminal’s boundary wall and still, the complete package is under planning and designing process and it’ll take a few years to complete the whole terminal.

Terminals in 4 Gates of Kabul City (Arghandi Terminal)

CRIDA in brief:

The capital region independent development authority comprises the Kabul city including its all districts, Maidan Shahr City of Maidan Wardak Province, Charikar City and the districts of Bagram and Jabal Siraj of Parwan province, Mahmud Raqi City and Kohistanat district of Kapisa Province, Puli-Alam City and Mohammad Agha & Khushi districts of Logar Province. The total area of the capital region surrounds more than 7735 km2.
The implementation of development projects and finding solutions for the existing problems in the areas under the Capital Region are bonded with hopes of millions of Afghan in the country. During the years 2002-2006, there were different visions for overcoming the major existing problems in the capital such as a rapid increase in population, lack of housing units and primary infrastructures and an increase in unemployment. Subsequent to carry comprehensive feasibility studies and researches as per the Presidential Decree of GIRoA an Independent Board for Development of Kabul New City was formed at the beginning of 2006.
In late 2006, the Board established the Dehsabz City Development Authority (DCDA) as its financial and implementing executive body. The DCDA was tasked to pave the way, through mostly private sector-led activities, for the planning, design, and implementation, of this mega national project. DCDA then laid down for the first time in the history of the country a strong foundation, mechanism and scientific documentation for the Kabul New City and in the urban sector development in general which would be used as a platform for urban development in the country. With Formation of Capital Region Independent Development Authority (CRIDA), not only the KNC Master Plans would be implemented, but also pave the ways for the development of Capital Region with broader visions which are briefly narrated as follows:

1. Transforming the Capital Region by turning it into a megacity that is clean, full of greenery, cultured with booming industries and commerce, sports and tourism and ultimately a city with all facilities that are available in any modern city of the world.
2. Building a metropolitan city that is self-reliant and sustainable, a city that has infrastructure and facilities of high standards with a healthy physical environment.
3. Building a city that is free of ethnic, linguistic, racial and religious prejudices.
4. Promoting urban culture and enhancing the standard of city life through the development of the Capital Region.
5. Development of cities (through decentralization for balanced development) within the Capital Region by protecting the originality, historical value and organic linkages with the existing Kabul city to transform the entire capital zone into a symbol of national unity.

this illustrates the scope of work for the project (Arghandi Terminal Boundary Wall). The scope of work includes grading and land preparation of the wall, construction of the Stonemasonry boundary wall (Total length of wall 7.2653km with a wall foundation, gates, and other required work). CRIDA is implementing organization of this project and will supervise and manage this project by its technical team where project progress reporting, communication with stakeholders, follow up of schedule, quality assurance and workmanship, health and safety of the project is also one of the main responsibility of CRIDA from initiation to close of the project.

for more detail please refer to www.crida.gov.af 

Great Innovation in Afghanistan

This report contains the innovation of building school buildings from the walls which were used for road blocking and making buffer zones for the governmental organizations for covering it from blasts and suicide bombers.

Report by Pajhwak, AFGHANISTAN, NANGARHAR:

Six School Buildings built from pre-construction walls (T-Walls) were constructed in Nangarhar province for the benefit of 3 million Afghanis.

A spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar, Attaullah Khudayani, told the News the building had been built and utilized by the city’s Ministry of Urban Development and Land in the Sukhmani, Koz Kunar, Mohmandara, Kot, Durrababa and Shinwar districts.

Nangarhar Governor Shah Mahmood Miakhel said while opening the projects, Ghazi Mohammad Afzal Khan Shinwari School in Shinwar had eight classes, Syed Jamaluddin Afghan grade six in Koz Kunar, four classes in Doordab district, Kot Sai end. Ten classrooms and six classrooms have been set up in pre-established area schools in the Sweet City area.

He added that the school was scheduled to be built in six months, but pre-construction schools were a new experience, which is why it was completed in about a year, according to Miyakhel. Parts of these schools or various materials were already built in a factory by the Ministry of Urban Development, and other schools will be built thereafter, He says the new model school is designed to be less expensive in less time, with classes being warm in the winter and freezing in the summer.

The governor said that this year, he received approval for the construction of three schools in the province, out of which the construction work of three school buildings is in progress, of which only two are in Koz Kunar.

Deputy Minister of Urban Development Humayun Faiz urged officials, students, and families, to maintain and maintain these schools.

Koz Kunar district governor Mohammad Ismail Shinwari, a youth representative, said Faridullah was happy with the construction of these schools, emphasizing more work was being done in education in Kunar and other areas.