Performance Of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Research Articles

Novel reinforcement learning technique based parameter estimation for proton exchange membrane fuel cell model

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) offer a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional engines. PEMFCs play a vital role in progressing hydrogen-based energy solutions. Accurate modeling of PEMFC performance is essential for enhancing their efficiency. This paper introduces a novel reinforcement learning (RL) approach for estimating PEMFC parameters, addressing the challenges of the complex and nonlinear dynamics of the PEMFCs. The proposed RL method minimizes the sum of squared errors between measured and simulated voltages and provides an adaptive and self-improving RL-based Estimation that learns continuously from system feedback. The RL-based approach demonstrates superior accuracy and performance compared with traditional metaheuristic techniques. It has been validated through theoretical and experimental comparisons and tested on commercial PEMFCs, including the Temasek 1 kW, the 6 kW Nedstack PS6, and the Horizon H-12 12 W. The dataset used in this study comes from experimental data. This research contributes to the precise modeling of PEMFCs, improving their efficiency, and developing wider adoption of PEMFCs in sustainable energy solutions.

Numerical investigation of PEMFC performance enhancement through combined design of anodic fishbone ridge groove channel and optimal gas diffusion layer porosity gradient

The flow field plate is one of the core components of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), and its structure significantly influences the thermo-electrochemical coupling transport characteristics of PEMFCs. Optimizing the parameters of the flow channels of bipolar plates is crucial for enhancing the mass transfer of reacting gas and improving water removal capacity. In this study, an anodal fishbone ridge groove combined flow channel (F-SFC) is designed to enhance the diffusion uniformity of anode hydrogen gas, and a 3D multi-phase model of PEMFC is established using the multiphysics simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics. The F-SFC was compared with traditional bipolar plates featuring symmetric anode and cathode flow channels in terms of overall output performance, and the results are presented. The findings indicate that the F-SFC design achieves an average increase of 28.78% in current density and 21.07% in power density compared to conventional fishbone flow channels. When compared to traditional serpentine flow channels, the F-SFC design shows a 13.5% increase in current density and a 10.42% increase in power density. Furthermore, adding multilayer porosity gradients to gas diffusion layers (GDLs) greatly improves internal mass transfer. A gradient porosity of 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 along the Z-axis produces a more equal distribution of current density and water concentration on the membrane. This work sheds fresh light on optimizing PEMFC design for increased power density, providing useful theoretical advice for future advances.

Performance Investigation of a Novel Staggered Round Table Channel for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Based on the internal mass transfer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a novel staggered round table channel is proposed, namely, round table stoppers are arranged on both sides of the channel and in the direction of gas flow. The study systematically investigates the effects of various structural parameters on the PEMFC performance, including the arrangement of round tables on both sides of the channel, radius, degree of sparseness, and number. It is found that the staggered arrangement can improve the cell performance more significantly, and the current density can be increased by 5.0% compared with the direct channel. With the proper increase of the radius and number of round tables, the round table stopper forces the reactant to diffuse downward and improves the uniformity of reactant distribution. Compared with other sparsity, the equidistant arrangement of stoppers in the channel is conductive to accelerating the convective mass transfer and drainage characteristics of the cell. As shown by numerical analysis results, the performance and dewatering efficiency of PEMFC are the best when the round tables on both sides are staggered, the radius is 0.65 mm, the number is 10, and the round table in the channel is arranged equidistantly.

Liquid Water Transport and Distribution in the Gas Diffusion Layer of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Considering Interfacial Cracks

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), with a high energy conversion efficiency, has become an important means of hydrogen energy utilization. However, water condensation is unavoidable in the PEMFC because of low operating temperatures. The impact of liquid water on PEMFC performance and stability is significant. The gas diffusion layer (GDL) provides a critical transport path for liquid water in the PEMFC. Liquid water saturation and distribution in the GDL determine water flooding and mass transfer efficiency in the PEMFC. In this study, focusing on the effects of the water introduction method, osmotic pressure, and contact angle, the liquid water transport in the GDL was numerically investigated based on a pore-scale model using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The results showed that compared with the conventional water introduction method without cracks, the saturation and spatial distribution of water inside the GDL obtained in the simulation were more consistent with the experimental results when the water was introduced through the microporous layer (MPL) crack. It was found that increasing the osmotic pressure resulted in a faster rate of water penetration, faster approaching the steady-state performance, and higher saturation. The ultra-high osmotic pressure contributed to the secondary breakthrough with a significant increase in saturation. Increasing the contact angle caused higher capillary resistance, especially in the region with small pore sizes. At a constant osmotic pressure, as the contact angle increased, the liquid water gradually failed to penetrate into the small pores around the transport path, causing saturation reduction and an ultimate failure to break through the GDL. Increasing the contact angle contributed to a higher breakthrough pressure and secondary breakthrough pressure.

Design and preparation of composite bipolar plates with synergistic conductive networks of graphite and metal foam

Graphite composite bipolar plate (BP) have limited conductivity, which makes them less than ideal for extensive application in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In traditional graphite composite BP, the construction process of the conductive network is entirely random. To enhance conductivity, it is typically necessary to increase the content of conductive fillers or incorporate high aspect ratio carbon nanomaterials to optimize the density of the conductive network. In this work, we manufactured a highly conductive composite bipolar plate with synergistic conductive networks of graphite and metal foam (MF). With a synergistic conductive network, the ASR of CuG80-20ppi decreased to 7.7 mΩ cm2. Additionally, thermal conductivity increased to 24.76 W/(m·K), and in-plane conductivity reached 294.1 S/cm at 80 wt% mass fractions of conductive filler, using 20 ppi copper foam as the metallic conductive network. CuG80-20ppi exhibited a flexural strength of 52.2 MPa. G80 and CuG80-20ppi have the 80 wt% conductive filler and are molded into BP with parallel flow fields. CuG80-20ppi enhances the current density of PEMFC by 0.132 W/cm2 and reduces the ohmic impedance by 5.25%. Therefore, the findings of this study offer valuable insights for the enhancement of composite BP conductivity, while simultaneously ensuring the stability and continuity of the synergistic conductive network. A novel approach is presented to enhance the electrical conductivity of graphite composite bipolar plate (BP) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). By embedding metal foam as a supplementary conductive network within the graphite matrix, a synergistic conductive architecture is achieved. This innovation significantly reduces the area specific resistance (ASR) to 7.7 mΩ cm2 and boosts thermal conductivity to 24.76 W/(m·K). The resulting CuG80-20ppi BP, with 80 wt% conductive filler, exhibits improved mechanical strength and conductivity, contributing to a 0.132 W/cm2 increase in PEMFC current density and a 5.25% reduction in ohmic impedance. This work highlights the potential of metal foam integration to enhance BP conductivity and PEMFC performance.

Aramid nanofiber-modified carbon paper to enhance adaptability and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

This study developed a novel method to enhance the comprehensive performance of carbon paper (CP) by using aramid nanofibers (ANF) modified phenol formaldehyde resin (PF). The effect of ANF modification ratios (0 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 2.4 wt%) on ANF dispersion in PF impregnation solution, PF thermal stability, and PF carbon matrix structure were investigated. Compared to unmodified PF, ANF-modified PF matrix carbon exhibited increasingly regular and ordered structures, with the ID/IG value decreasing from 2.16 to 2.02. Furthermore, with ANF modification ratio increasing, the tensile strength, flexural strength, porosity and gas permeability of CP exhibited a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease, and when increasing to 1.8 %, reaching the optimal values of 14.28 MPa, 531.61 MPa, 85.94 %, and 2520 L·m−2·s−1, respectively. The limiting power density of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) assembled with 1.8 wt% ANF-modified CP gradually increased with different assembly torques of 2, 4 and 6 N·m, reaching maximum values of 0.86, 0.98, and 1.1 W·cm−2, respectively. Therefore, the novel ANF modification method of CP provides new insights into enhancing PEMFCs assembly adaptability, potentially addressing issues related to low mechanical stability and poor pore structure affecting PEMFCs performance.

Dynamic response characteristics of proton exchange membrane fuel cell during transient loading: An experiment study

The dynamic performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is crucial for safe and efficient operation and remains a major barrier to commercialization. In this paper the dynamic response characteristics of PEMFC under serpentine flow field (SFF) and parallel flow field (PFF) are discussed. The effects of current loading, operating pressures, anode and cathode stoichiometric ratios, as well as operating temperatures on the dynamic response characteristics of PEMFC are systematically studied through experimental methods. Furthermore, the principle and mitigation strategies for voltage undershoot are investigated. It shows that lower current density, higher back pressure and higher temperature are benefit to alleviate voltage undershoot. Compared with the SFF, the Second-stage time delay of PFF is shortened by 9.2 s, the VU is decreased by 17.27 mV, and the energy loss is reduced by 0.71%. Moreover, Pearson correlation coefficient is proposed to evaluate the correlation between index and PEMFC performance.

Numerical investigation of PEMFC performance based on different multistage serpentine flow field designs

The design of excellent flow fields can significantly enhance the output current density and improve the uniformity of reactant distribution in PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell). Serpentine flow field has gained more attention due to its outstanding performance and simple structure, but there is little research on multi-channel serpentine flow field considering the consumption of reactant. In this paper, flow fields named multi-s and multi-pis were designed by considering reactant consumption, and compared with the traditional serpentine flow fields including 3 s, 5 s, 3pis and 5pis. Compared with 3 s and 5 s, the average power density of multi-s increased by 0.687 % and 1.256 %, respectively. The average power density of multi-pis increased by 0.326 % and 1.829 %, as compared to that of 3pis and 5pis. Moreover, the utilization of multiple serpentine and parallel flow fields enhances the uniformity of reactant distribution and current density. The paper further investigates the impact of inlet humidity, operating temperature and supply back pressure on the performance of these six flow fields at a working voltage of 0.45 V. The variations of operating parameters exert varying degrees of influence on the different flow fields, multi-s and multi-pis flow fields consistently demonstrating superior performance to the other four flow fields. The present study offers practical guidance for the implementation of PEMFCs, encompassing optimization strategies for flow field design, operation.

Application of chaotic teaching-learning-based optimization technique for estimating unknown parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cell model.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) possess features like high specific power density, low operating temperature, and low operating pressure and thus are most widely used. The performance of PEMFC highly depends on its output voltage which further affects its efficiency. This research paper aims to improve this output voltage by minimizing the losses through parameter estimation technique for three well-known commercial PEMFC stacks, namely, 250W, BCS 500W, and Ballard Mark V. The multiobjective function framed for optimization serves two goals. One is to extract the unknown parameters of FC, and second is to achieve the minimum sum of squared errors (SSE) that occur due to the difference between experimental voltage and estimated voltage. Chaotic teaching-learning-based optimization (CTLBO) algorithm is used for optimization process. SSE values obtained for three commercial PEMFC stacks 250W, BCS 500W, and Ballard Mark V are 7.02267, 4.00150, and 0.8100, respectively. The applicability of this technique is further checked for different operating conditions of each model. The I-P (current-power) curve and I-V (current-voltage) curve obtained using estimated data closely matched the experimental data that showed the practical relevance and efficacy of the algorithm. A comparison is done among the SSE results obtained using CTLBO to other competitive algorithms mentioned in the literature. CTLBO showed its superiority over other algorithms in estimating the unknown parameters of PEMFC stack parameters.

Modeling and simulation of novel bio-emulated flow field with improved branch channels on PEMFC performance

The channel geometry of the bipolar plate in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) significantly influences its performance. In this study, a bio-emulated flow field (BEFF) pattern in the bipolar plate was used based on the external carotid artery design with its branches. A comprehensive investigation was conducted using a three-dimensional (3-D) multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model on bio-emulated flow fields with branch channels of zero (BE-0), six (BE-6), and ten (BE-10). The results obtained were compared with traditional parallel flow fields (TPFF) and traditional serpentine flow fields (TSFF). The BE-10 results showed reduced pressure drop, uniform distribution of reactants, and higher power output compared with other configurations. The peak power density of BE-10 surpassed that of TPFF by approximately 45.07% and exceeded BE-0 by 10.39%. The novel BEFF structure with an increase in branch channels showed that the reactants, temperature, and static pressure distribution are more uniform with better water management.

Construction of CuCoCe ternary catalyst via a porous organic polymer template approach for efficient CO-PROX with wide operating temperature window

Preferential CO oxidation (CO-PROX) is a promising approach for removing trace CO from hydrogen-rich streams, effectively preventing Pt anode poisoning in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To effectively eliminate CO within the PEMFC operating temperature range, catalysts must exhibit high CO conversion and O2 selectivity. Expanding the operating temperature window of these catalysts is crucial. This study presents the synthesis of a CuCoCe ternary catalyst (CuCo/Ce-P) using an imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer as a sacrificial template. Compared to the CuCoCe ternary catalyst prepared without a template (CuCo/Ce), CuCo/Ce-P exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic activity, with a T50 reduction from 85 °C to 55 °C and an expanded operating temperature window of approximately 40 ℃. Characterization results indicate that the imidazole-functionalized porous organic polymer facilitates improved dispersion of active species by anchoring metal ions through electron-rich groups, enhances intermetallic interactions, promotes electron transfer, and significantly improves the oxygen-deficient capacity of the CuCoCe ternary catalyst. Consequently, the catalyst exhibits a greater number of active interfaces, leading to enhanced catalytic activity and a wider operating temperature window.

Performance of the multi-U-style structure based flow field for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

The design of the reactant gas flow field structure in bipolar plates significantly influences the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, we introduced four innovative U-shaped flow field designs, namely: In-Out Multi-U, Out-In Multi-U, Distro In-Out Multi-U, and Distro Out-In Multi-U. To investigate the impact of these various flow fields on PEMFC performance, we conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations, validated through model experiments. Our results indicate that the Distro Out-In Multi-U flow field offers notable advantages compared to the conventional parallel flow field (CPFF) and conventional serpentine flow field (CSFF). These benefits include reduced inlet and outlet pressures, lower liquid water content, more uniform liquid water distribution, and a more even current density distribution. Furthermore, the Distro Out-In Multi-U design demonstrates improved efficiency, consuming less H2 (91.9%) than the CSFF while achieving a higher net power density output (10.1%). As a result, for the same power output, the Distro Out-In Multi-U utilizes only 83.5% of the H2 consumed by the CSFF. In summary, the U-shaped structured flow field exhibits superior output performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved resistance to flooding. These findings suggest that the U-shaped flow field design holds significant potential as a reactive flow field for PEMFCs.

Development of optimal energy management strategy for proton exchange membrane fuel cell-battery hybrid system for drone propulsion

Drones powered by fuel cells have been developed to ensure long flight distances. Due to the low dynamic responsiveness of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems, they must be integrated with batteries to fully meet the power demand profiles of drones. In this study, a dynamic model of a PEMFC-battery hybrid system for drone propulsion is developed in MATLAB-Simulink® to establish the optimal energy management strategy (EMS) for ensuring efficient and safe operation. The proposed PEMFC system comprises two modules of an open-cathode PEMFC stack, which are connected in parallel. To estimate the dynamic behavior and performance of PEMFC, one-dimensional dynamic model of PEMFC considering two-phase transport through the gas diffusion layer is developed and simulated. A zero-dimensional dynamic model of the battery was also developed based on an equivalent circuit model. The resulting PEMFC-battery hybrid system model was simulated to determine the power required for the propulsion of the drone according to a flight scenario comprising five phases: takeoff hover, climb, cruise, descent, and landing hover. Three different EMSs are developed and simulated to define the optimal one for the PEMFC-battery hybrid system by comparing the total hydrogen consumption and the final SOC of the battery As a result, the EMS that equally splits the required power between two PEMFCs exhibits the lowest hydrogen consumption during the flight simulation. This study helps provide the optimal system design and control scheme of drones powered by fuel cells.

Numerical simulation and experimental study on the effect of cathode relative humidity on the performance of the PEMFC with dead-ended anode

ABSTRACT In the operation of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with dead-ended anode (DEA), the cathode relative humidity affects the accumulation state of water and nitrogen on the anode side, which in turn seriously affects the cell’s working performance. In order to investigate the mechanism of the cathode relative humidity on the PEMFC performance, numerical simulation and segmented in-situ measurement methods were used in this study. The results of the study showed that the lower cathode relative humidity causes insufficient water content in the PEMFC. This can further lead to localized dehydration of the membrane, which causes degradation of the DEA-PEMFC performance. Moreover, the higher cathode relative humidity increases the water content on the cathode side of the PEMFC. This not only increases the membrane permeability to nitrogen but also accelerates the water concentration back-diffusion process. The water and nitrogen that penetrate into the anode side can occupy the gas transport channel and hinder hydrogen transport, resulting in the insufficient localized gas supply in the DEA-PEMFC. This finally results in lower transient voltages and significantly shorter stabilized operation times. Therefore, reasonable control of cathode relative humidity is required to ensure long-term efficient and stable operation of the DEA-PEMFC.

Comprehensive analysis of recovery procedures for SO2-contaminated proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are critical in transitioning to a low-carbon future, especially in industries like heavy-duty transportation, maritime shipping, and aviation. However, the use of ambient air exposes Pt-based electrocatalysts to air contaminants, leading to performance loss and premature degradation. SO2 appears to be the most crucial air impurity for fuel cell operation due to the formation of strongly adsorbed S-containing species, like elemental S0 on the cathode Pt surface and a lack of self-recovery in pure air. This work evaluates the efficiency of potential cycling from 0.1 to 1.2 V and cathode purging with pure O2 for recovering PEMFC performance after 5 ppm SO2 exposure at 80 °C. Results indicate that SO2 contamination at higher operating current densities causes more pronounced loss in performance and electrochemical area as well as negatively affecting recovery. Both potential cycling and O2 purge methods show recovery efficiencies of up to 95 % for fuel cells contaminated at lower current densities (0.4 A cm-2) and 84 % at higher current densities (1.0 A cm-2). Interestingly, the end of test diagnostics further improved performance, reaching a recovery efficiency of 95-97 %. The findings suggest that while both recovery methods are effective, the O2 purge technique is more practical for field applications due to its simplicity and lack of need for auxiliary equipment. The study employs a segmented cell system to analyze localized performance variations and SO2 contamination impacts.

Effect of GDL Structure and Operating Conditions on PEMFC Performance and Liquid Water Removal

Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are responsible for diffusion of reactant gases into the catalyst layers, current collection and the removal of produced water. An accumulation of generated liquid water within the GDL, known as flooding, impedes the supply of reactant gas and results in the increase of concentration overpotential. Therefore, understanding of oxygen transport and produced water removal characteristics is required to enhance cell performance. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of GDL structure and operation conditions on PEMFC performance and liquid water removal, with a particular focus on comparing a novel GDL to a conventional GDL. The results of a simultaneous evaluation of cell performance and liquid water behavior in the GDLs by means of X-ray imaging under operational conditions are presented.

Effect of GDL Structure and Operating Conditions on PEMFC Performance and Liquid Water Removal

Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are responsible for diffusion of reactant gases into the catalyst layers, current collection and the removal of produced water. An accumulation of generated liquid water within the GDL, known as flooding, impedes the supply of reactant gas and results in the increase of concentration overpotential. Therefore, understanding of oxygen transport and produced water removal characteristics is required to enhance cell performance. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of GDL structure and operation conditions on PEMFC performance and liquid water removal, with a particular focus on comparing a novel GDL to a conventional GDL. The results of a simultaneous evaluation of cell performance and liquid water behavior in the GDLs by means of X-ray imaging under operational conditions are presented.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Performance using Honeycomb Flow Channel

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems have the ability to meet our energy demands in the near future since they are green, economical, and clean. They can also use hydrogen as a direct fuel. One of the key design factors influencing the PEMFC's performance is flow field configuration. The configuration of the flow channel in a PEMFC has a profound effect on reactant distribution and water management within the fuel cell. Current study aims to ameliorate fuel cell (FC) performance, water management, and pressure drop (PD) across channels. ANSYS Fluent 18.2 software, including its PEMFC add-on module, is utilized to execute a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of a 3D model of a PEMFC with a flow channel shaped like a honeycomb structure. A polarization curve, as well as factors such as PD, hydrogen and oxygen concentrations, membrane water content, and current density distribution along flow channels, have been included in the simulation results. The findings suggest that when the FC is operated at 0.45V, homogeneous reactant consumption and greater power and current densities are achieved, and, water generation is high across the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA).

Investigation of heat and mass transfer properties of the wave staggered round table cooling flow field with a three-stage forked distribution zone

Research on proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) has mainly focused on the design of gas channels, often neglecting the effects of distribution zones and cooling flow fields (CFF) on the cell. Therefore, a novel bipolar plate (BP) structure of metallic material is proposed in this paper, which adopts a three-stage forked distribution zone and a wave staggered round table cooling flow field (WSRTCFF). This study systematically investigates the effects of WSRTCFF presence or absence, flow direction, velocity, and inlet temperature on heat and mass transfer as well as PEMFC performance. The results show that introducing WSRTCFF significantly improves temperature distribution in the flow field. Compared to hydrogen flow direction, oxygen flow direction not only effectively mitigates local hot spot effects but enhances current density by 12.55 % compared to no cooling. When coolant flow velocity is below 0.1 m/s, increasing velocity promotes system heat dissipation, enhancing working efficiency and cell stability. However, when velocity exceeds 0.1 m/s, the change in the flow velocity has minimal effect on PEMFC performance. Furthermore, comparative analysis of different coolant temperatures indicates that at 333.15 K, maximum temperature remains below 348.2 K, maintaining membrane hydration and achieving a good balance of substances, temperatures, and performance.

Multi-scale modeling for low-temperature sealing performance of fuel cell

A unit cell of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) contains a special ‘sandwich’ sealing structure composed of membrane electrode assembly (MEA), the metal bipolar plate (BPP), and a rubber gasket, which is easily influenced by external impacts, vibrations, or temperature loads. In particular, PEMFCs have to go through low-temperature loads in using environments making the lifetime and reliability of the PEMFC reduced. The temperature-shrinkage at the macro-scale and the morphology change at the micro-scale of the rubber gasket are both going to appear if the temperature is low and the PEMFC sealing performance is going to be obviously affected. The macroscopic temperature-shrinkage which includes the size-variation and the spring-back weakening is considered to establish the actual compression ratio model mathematically for low-temperature sealing of rubber gaskets in this paper. Then the influence of gasket microscopic morphology on contact behaviors is studied to reveal the interfacial sealing mechanism by using numerical simulation methods. Finally, the multi-scale model for low-temperature sealing performance of PEMFC has been constructed in this paper. The accuracy of the multi-scale model could be verified by comparing experimental contact pressure results between the rubber gasket and the metal plate.