Influence of Changes in the Shape of the Anode Channel in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell on the Loss of Its Service Life.

Daniel Sławiński,Wojciech Tokarz,Michał Soszko,Sebastian Bykuć

doi:10.3390/ma14237338

Abstract

The fuel cell operation is associated with significant current density and durability problems, among other anode collectors. We used a numerical model based on flows with chemical reactions in a porous medium to solve these problems. We tested four variants of the anode channels. In the shape of the anode channel, we introduced changes to improve the current density. We also examined the influence of the channel shape on the stress field and rheological processes in the casing material. We verified the numerical model on the experimental data. Furthermore, we corrected the amount of the hydrogen stream and the produced water in the whole range of the cell’s operation. The test results show that it is possible to increase the current density in all operating fields of the fuel cell while maintaining a low mechanical load on graphite elements and their safe operation time.

Highlights

IntroductionThe PEMFC hydrogen cells have their origins in the 1970s in works for space flights
Cell on the Loss of Its Service Life.The PEMFC hydrogen cells have their origins in the 1970s in works for space flights.Nowadays, it seems that this solution may be significant, which could potentially alter the current approach to the energy sector by becoming an alternative to burning conventional fossil fuels
We have examined variants of the anode channel shape in the study to improve the current density in the fuel cell

Summary

Introduction

The PEMFC hydrogen cells have their origins in the 1970s in works for space flights. Nowadays, it seems that this solution may be significant, which could potentially alter the current approach to the energy sector by becoming an alternative to burning conventional fossil fuels. The PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) is comprised of a negatively charged electrode (anode) and a positively charged cathode separated by a polymer electrolyte in the form of a membrane. The advantage of this solution is high current density, low operating temperature, short start-up time, low weight, and dimensions. The input substrates, as already mentioned, are 2H2 (hydrogen) and O2 (oxygen), and the end product is 2H2 O (water)

Methods

Results

Conclusion