Application based multi-objective performance optimization of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The composition and performance optimisation of cathode catalyst platinum and catalyst layer structure in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell has been investigated by including both electrochemical reaction and mass transport process. It is found that electrochemical reactions occur in a thin layer within a few micrometers thick, indicating ineffective catalyst utilization for the present catalyst layer design. The effective use of platinum catalyst decreases with increasing current density, hence lower loadings of platinum are feasible for higher current densities of practical interest without adverse effect on cell performance. The optimal void fraction for the catalyst layer is about 60% and fairly independent of current density, and a 40% supported platinum catalyst yields the best performance amongst various supported catalysts investigated. An optimal amount of membrane content in the void region of the catalyst layer exists for minimum cathode voltage losses due to competition between proton migration through the membrane and oxygen transfer in the void region. The present results will be useful for practical fuel cell designs.

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Simulation Study on the Influence Factors of Generated Output of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.121-126.2887 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 121-126 ◽

pp. 2887-2891

Author(s):

Li Ping Fan

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cells ◽

Fuel Cell ◽

Output Power ◽

Performance Optimization ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Influence Factors ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Power Simulation ◽

Exchange Membrane

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been receiving more and more attention these recent years. It is expected to improve the output power of the fuel cell, so it is important to understand what are the relevant factors affecting the output power. Simulation can provide valuable insight and guidance for design, performance optimization, and cost reduction of fuel cells. Some factors which affect the generated output of proton exchange membrane fuel cell are study in this paper, and simulation results are shown and analyzed. It helps to understand the mechanism of the fuel cell and lay a good foundation for improving the output power.

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MODELING OF PEM FUEL CELLS WITH FINITE-THICKNESS CATALYSTS

Modern Physics Letters B ◽

10.1142/s0217984909018849 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (03) ◽

pp. 537-540 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

JIANG HUI YIN ◽

JUN CAO

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cells ◽

Fuel Cell ◽

Performance Optimization ◽

Proton Exchange Membrane ◽

Cell Model ◽

Finite Thickness ◽

Pem Fuel Cells ◽

Proton Exchange ◽

And Performance ◽

Exchange Membrane

A general proton exchange membrane fuel cell model including two finite-thickness catalysts is developed in this study, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the effects of the two key electrochemical reactions taking place in the two catalysts. The model is used to predict the performances of fuel cells employing two different flow channel designs, providing insights for fuel cell design and performance optimization.

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