Abstract
Power supply systems based on air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks are becoming more popular as power sources for mobile applications. We try to create a PEMFC model that allows for predicting the PEMFC operation in various climatic conditions. A total of two models were developed and used: the membrane electrode assemble (MEA) model and the PEMFC stack model. The developed MEA model allows to determine the influence of external factors (temperature) on the PEMFC power density. The data obtained using the developed model correlate with experimental data at low ambient temperatures (10–30 °C). The difference between the simulation and experimental data is less than 10%. However, the accuracy of the model during PEMFC operation at high (>30 °C) and negative ambient temperatures remains in doubt and requires improvement. The obtained data were integrated into the air-cooled PEMFC stack model. Data of the temperature fields distribution will help to manage the processes in the PEMFC stack. The maximum temperature is slightly above 60 °C, which corresponds to the optimal conditions for the operation of the stack. The temperature gradient across the longitudinal section is very low (<20 °C), which is a positive factor for the chemical reaction. However, the temperature gradient observed across the cross section of the PEMFC stack is 30 °C. The data obtained will help to optimize the mass-dimensional characteristics of air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell and increase their performance. The synergetic effect between the MEA model and the PEMFC stack model can be successfully used in the selection of materials and the development of a thermoregulation system in the PEMFC stack.
Highlights
Power supply systems based on air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks are becoming more popular as power sources for mobile transport applications, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc
The PEMFC consists of two parts: bipolar plates (BP) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA)
Each of the electrodes is a catalytic layer applied to carbon paper or cloth (gas diffusion layer (GDL))
Summary
Power supply systems based on air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks are becoming more popular as power sources for mobile transport applications, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc. [1]. Power supply systems based on air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks are becoming more popular as power sources for mobile transport applications, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc. The power of such PEMFC stacks is up to a few kW [2]. The PEMFC consists of two parts: bipolar plates (BP) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA includes only one cathode and one anode. Each of the electrodes is a catalytic layer applied to carbon paper or cloth (gas diffusion layer (GDL)). Both electrodes are in contact with a proton exchange membrane [3]
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