Sensitivity analysis of current distribution to critical operating parameters for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Suitable operating parameters can not only improve the uniformity of current distribution, but also extend the lifetime of fuel cells. Existing studies of critical operating parameters on the uniformity of local current distribution tend to be qualitative and lack quantitative indicators that affect the sensitivity. In addition, there is almost no physical quantity that can characterize the uniformity of current distribution, though the uniformity of current distribution is an important factor that affects the fuel cell lifetime. In this paper, a multi-domain physical model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on segmentation and resistive grid is developed. A physical quantity index that can reflect the uniformity of current distribution is further proposed. In addition, the effects of five critical parameters on the uniformity of current distribution are investigated. Besides, the specific sensitivity values of each parameter to the proposed index are also quantitatively calculated. The research content in this paper can make up for the current vacancy research on the impacts of operating parameters on the uniformity of fuel cell current distribution. These results provide a reference for the performance optimization and critical operating parameter control strategies for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.