Power density improvement of bi-conductive polymer membrane fuel cells by optimization of its internal resistances

Abstract

This paper reports the development of a new set of equations that defines the internal resistances in bi-conductive membrane (BCM) fuel cells and allows optimization of its critical dimensions and power density. Based on these equations, a design approach is proposed and fabrication steps that limit the power density of the final device are identified. The equations developed in this study can be used for any configuration and shape of holes and current collectors. It demonstrates that by improving fabrication techniques used in a previous study, total internal resistance of the BCM fuel cell could be reduced by 80%, showing that this type of fuel cell could potentially deliver very high power density compared to standard PEMFCs.