Investigating the Impact of Hydrogen Gas Moisture Content on Electricity Generation in PEM Fuel Cells

Abstract

In the realm of energy sources, non-renewable fossil fuels, such as petroleum derivatives, continue to pose a significant threat to our planet. Currently, hydrogen energy, derived from renewable sources, is under extensive research, primarily due to its high efficiency, versatile applications, and zero carbon emissions. Hydrogen gas has become an indispensable alternative energy source owing to its numerous advantages. The technology that enables efficient utilization of hydrogen gas as an energy source is fuel cells, with Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM Fuel Cells) being the most significant advancement in this field. In this study, anode and cathode moisture levels were investigated by experimental study on the obtained efficiency of PEM fuel cell performance. Pure hydrogen and oxygen gases were used in the anode and cathode sections of the experiment, respectively. The test stand and a 6 cell 35 watt fuel cell with 9 cm2 active area were used for the test. Temperature and water accumulation, especially humidification in PEM fuel cells, can be achieved by keeping the hydrogen flow, oxygen flow and battery temperature under control. In the experimental study, the fuel cell humidification rate is gradually increased by keeping the flow and line temperature constant. 30% - 35% - 40% - 45% - 50% - 55% - 60% - 65% - 70% of the results obtained in the voltage, amperage and their effects on watts. As a result of the experimental study, humidification rate has a significant effect on the performance of PEM fuel cell. With the increased humidification temperature, the performance of the installed system increased significantly and nominal values were found. However, it is observed that the performance decreases after a certain period of time in the values higher than 60%.