Effect of operating conditions on the performance of a PEM fuel cell

Oberoi

Intl J of Energy Research

2021

Summary This paper addresses the effects of critical parameters that affect the performance and lifespan of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Amongst all, control of excess water content and dehydration in PEM fuel cells is the major issue under various operating conditions. Therefore, their effects on cathode, anode, gas diffusion layer (GDL), catalyst layer (CL), and flow channels are summarized in the initial part of this paper. Various active cooling strategies such as air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase change method to extract the waste heat from the stack are represented. The lateral part of this paper throws light on the role of heat pipes, working fluid, and the effect of the addition of nanofluid with pertinent filling ratio (FR) in cooling of PEM fuel cells. This work is intended to aid the selection of cooling methods for PEM fuel cells through the consideration of the variety of affecting parameters preceding major expenditure for wide‐scale production. In future, cost comparison associated with the cooling techniques of the fuel cell would be evaluated.

Section: Operating Temperature and Pressurementioning

confidence: 99%

Factors influencing the performance of PEM fuel cells: A review on performance parameters, water management, and cooling techniques

Oberoi

Intl J of Energy Research

2021

“…In addition to T, hydrogen pressure (P H2 ), air pressure (P air ), the relative humidity (RH), cathode and anode stoichiometric flow ratios (ξ c , ξ a ), and the current density (i) are considered as key parameters of the PEMFC as they massively influence its performance [61,62]. Besides the aforementioned operating parameters, the reactants' flow field configuration was found to have an influence on the performance of the fuel cell and it has been investigated in many studies [63].…”

Section: Pemfcmentioning

confidence: 99%

PEMFC Poly-Generation Systems: Developments, Merits, and Challenges

et al. 2021

Significant research efforts are directed towards finding new ways to reduce the cost, increase efficiency, and decrease the environmental impact of power-generation systems. The poly-generation concept is a promising strategy that enables the development of a sustainable power system. Over the past few years, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell-based Poly-Generation Systems (PEMFC-PGSs) have received accelerated developments due to the low-temperature operation, high efficiency, and low environmental impact. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the main PEMFC-PGSs, including Combined Heat and Power (CHP) co-generation systems, Combined Cooling and Power (CCP) co-generation systems, Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power (CCHP) tri-generation systems, and Combined Water and Power (CWP) co-generation systems. First, the main technologies used in PEMFC-PGSs, such as those related to hydrogen production, energy storage, and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR), etc., are detailed. Then, the research progresses on the economic, energy, and environmental performance of the different PEMFC-PGSs are presented. Also, the recent commercialization activities on these systems are highlighted focusing on the leading countries in this field. Furthermore, the remaining economic and technical obstacles of these systems along with the future research directions to mitigate them are discussed. The review reveals the potential of the PEMFC-PGS in securing a sustainable future of the power systems. However, many economic and technical issues, particularly those related to high cost and degradation rate, still need to be addressed before unlocking the full benefits of such systems.

“…The MEA under high temperature and low relative humidity conditions (35% RH @ 120 °C) exhibited a maximum power density over 35.2% higher than the reference MEA. Askaripour et al [ 9 ] developed a single PEMFC model capable of predicting the distribution of parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, cell current density) along the anode and cathode flow channels and analyzing the relationship of parameters to cell performance. Liu [ 10 ] et al studied the effect of flow channel placement direction on the performance of PEMFCs with dead-end anodes (DEAs) under a gravity environment, and found that different flow channel placement directions also had a significant impact on the local current density distribution of PEMFCs and DEAs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Real-Time Monitoring of the Temperature, Flow, and Pressure Inside High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

et al. 2022

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly energy conversion technology. However, the local temperature, flow, and pressure inhomogeneity within the fuel cell during the electrochemical reaction process may lead to depletion of PEMFC material and uneven fuel distribution, thus affecting the performance and service life of high-temperature PEMFCs. In this study, micromachining technology is used to develop a three-in-one flexible micro-sensor that is resistant to a high-temperature electrochemical environment (120~200 °C). Appropriate materials and process parameters are used to protect the micro-sensor from failure or damage under long-term testing, and to conduct a real-time micro-monitor of the local temperature, flow, and pressure distribution inside high-temperature PEMFCs.