Novel optimal structure design and testing of air-cooled open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

Air-cooled open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells are miniature but effective energy conversion devices for both the mobile power station and unmanned equipment applications. However, the structure of the air-cooled open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells still needs to be optimized to improve the system compactness and cell performance. In this study, an annular structure is designed, which offers a more uniform air velocity profile, higher air pressure difference, as well as more uniform temperature distribution with a minimum temperature gradient. Benefiting from the optimized annular structure, the assembly of the annular stack has an internal air duct, which could not only reduces the volume and weight of the stack, but also allocates the air more evenly. Results further indicate that the annular design increases the uniformity of velocity and temperature by around 3 times compared with traditional rectangular stack, it contributes significantly to the fuel cell performance by a 15% increase in power. This study provides an efficient strategy to improve the performance and extend the system reliability for future engineering application.