Evaluation of the Performance and Mechanical Stability of PEMFC Single Cell Considering Vibration Characteristics in the Construction Equipment Working Environment

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As the global demand for eco-friendly power sources increases, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative is gradually expanding in the construction equipment sector. Fuel cell technology has already gained significant attention with successful applications in various mobility sectors, including cars, buses, railways, and trucks. However, research in areas requiring extreme environmental conditions, such as construction equipment, is relatively scarce. Construction equipment often operates under high vibration and harsh climatic conditions, necessitating studies on fuel cell performance evaluation in similar environments. Previous studies have shown that applying vibration to hydrogen fuel cells can directly affect their performance, but research targeting construction equipment is very limited. Since vibration is an inevitable aspect of construction sites, research on this topic is essential for the practical application of hydrogen construction equipment. Based on this background, this study aimed to obtain basic data for the development of hydrogen fuel cells for construction equipment that can maintain stable performance even in a vibrational environment, by understanding the performance degradation and structural stability changes of fuel cells under vibration conditions. The fuel cells used in this study were 5 cm × 5 cm PEMFC single cells, and vibration tests were conducted in vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions using a laboratory-scale shaker. The PEMFC single cells were kept in an operating (ON) state during the experiments, and vibrations that could occur in construction equipment were applied. The performance changes of the fuel cells according to vibration intensity and frequency were measured using constant current analysis, current-voltage (I-V) curves, and impedance analysis methods. Constant current analysis was used to evaluate the voltage stability of the single cell, I-V curves for assessing electrochemical efficiency and optimal operating conditions, and impedance analysis for evaluating electrical properties in electrodes and electrolytes.