Computational Study of Edge Cooling for Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Stacks

Abstract

In open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stacks, a significant temperature rise can exist due to insufficient cooling, especially at higher current densities. To improve stack thermal management while reducing the cost of cooling, we propose a forced air-convection open-cathode fuel cell stack with edge cooling (fins). The impact of the edge cooling is studied via a mathematical model of the three-dimensional two-phase flow and the associated conservation equations of mass, momentum, species, energy, and charge. The model includes the stack, ambient, fan, and fins used for cooling. The model results predict better thermal management and stack performance for the proposed design as compared to the conventional open-cathode stack design, which shows potential for practical applications. Several key design parameters—fin material and fin geometry—are also investigated with regard to the stack performance and thermal management.

Edge Cooling of a Fuel Cell during Aerial Missions by Ambient Air

“…An edge cooling method by convection over FC stack was suggested by several studies [10][11][12]. Indeed, it is not suitable for the majority of applications since it increases the volume of the stack and requires a high flow of air.…”

Temperature Control for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell based on Current Constraint with Consideration of Limited Cooling Capacity

“…Broadly speaking, there are various methods to remove the excess heat from PEMFC and keep the its temperature as desired; for example, liquid cooling , , air cooling , , edge‐cooling , phase change cooling , combined oxidant and coolant flow , and natural convection cooling . Among these thermal management methods, water cooling of higher heat transfer coefficient is most widely used in high power PEMFC systems, especially for a power output of 80 kW or higher .…”