Abstract
The impact of micro porous layer (MPL) with various thicknesses of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) on heat and mass transfer characteristics, as well as power generation performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), is investigated. The in-plane temperature distribution on cathode separator back is also measured by thermocamera. It has been found that the power generation performance is improved by the addition of MPL, especially at higher current density condition irrespective of initial temperature of cell (Tini) and relative humidity condition. However, the improvement is not obvious when the thin PEM (Nafion NRE-211; thickness of 25 μm) is used. The increase in temperature from inlet to outlet without MPL is large compared to that with MPL when using thick PEM, while the difference between without MPL and with MPL is small when using thin PEM. It has been confirmed that the addition of MPL is effective for the improvement of power generation performance of single PEFC operated at higher temperatures than normal. However, the in-plane temperature distribution with MPL is not even.
Highlights
We can know from the NEDO roadmap 2017 in Japan [1] that polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is required to be operated at around 90 ◦ C for stationary applications
The voltage, local current, ohmic resistance and activation and mass transfer resistance have been measured to evaluate the performance of PEFC
The present study reveals that micro porous layer (MPL) is effective for the improvement of power generation performance of single PEFC operated at a high temperature such as 90 ◦ C
Summary
We can know from the NEDO roadmap 2017 in Japan [1] that polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is required to be operated at around 90 ◦ C for stationary applications. According to previous studies [14,15], the effect of PEM thickness on heat and mass transfer characteristics, as well as power generation performance at relatively higher operating temperature, e.g., 90 ◦ C, was reported. Chen et al [22] studied the impact of MPL on the power generation performance at the cell temperature of 40, 60 and 80 ◦ C under both high and low relative humidity conditions. The impact of addition of MPL on heat and mass transfer characteristics, and power generation performance operated at higher temperature e.g., 90 ◦ Chas not been experimentally well investigated. The aim is to analyze the impact of MPL on heat and mass transfer characteristics, and power generation performance with various thicknesses of PEM. The voltage, local current, ohmic resistance and activation and mass transfer resistance have been measured to evaluate the performance of PEFC
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
