Analyzing and modeling of CO purging for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Purging offers a straightforward and cost-effective means of eliminating inert gases that accumulate in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) operating in dead-end anode (DEA) mode. Nevertheless, earlier studies primarily concentrated on inert gases, overlooking the significant challenge posed by the strong adsorption of CO within HT-PEMFC, complicating the use of inert gas methods for CO purification. This paper presents an analytical model that was validated experimentally. Leveraging this model, the paper analyzes the crucial parameter of CO concentration within the anode and deduces theoretical extreme values. Subsequently, it proposes purging strategies tailored to different operational conditions. The findings indicate that the minimum CO concentration within HT-PEMFC is influenced by current, feed gas flow rate, and feed gas CO concentration. Additionally, the maximum CO concentration is affected by the off-duration of the purge valve in addition to these factors. Specifically, under the operating condition of 473.15 K, adopting a CO concentration threshold purge strategy is recommended, whereas under the operating condition of 448.15 K, voltage drop and CO concentration threshold purge strategies should be respectively implemented above and below the cutoff line based on the current. This research contributes to mitigating the issue of CO accumulation in DEA mode.