The sub-zero start-up capability remains as a technical barrier for large-scale adoption of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) vehicles; the situation is even worse when carbon-based (i.e. graphite) bipolar plates, with a larger heat capacity, are used. Herein, we develop an alternate hydrogen pump (AHP) method, which enables successful start-up of a graphite-bipolar-plate (GBP) PEMFC from −30°C. By applying an alternate voltage to both sides of the PEMFC under H 2 atmosphere, the AHP method warms up the PEMFC using heat generated mainly from ohmic polarization and eliminates the hazard of super-cooled water freezing. Additionally, The AHP method causes minor changes of the PEMFC system. The energy efficiencies of the AHP method are analyzed and further improvements are proposed.
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