Heat Transfer Optimization of NEXA Ballard Low-Temperature PEMFC

Abstract

Hydrogen is one of the modern energy carriers, but its storage and practical use of the newest hydrogen technologies in real operation conditions still is a task of future investigations. This work describes the experimental hydrogen hybrid energy system (HHS). HHS is part of a laboratory off-grid system that stores electricity gained from photovoltaic panels (PVs). This system includes hydrogen production and storage units and NEXA Ballard low-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Fuel cell (FC) loses a significant part of heat during converting chemical energy into electricity. The main purpose of the study was to explore the heat distribution phenomena across the FC NEXA Ballard stack during load with the next heat transfer optimization. The operation of the FC with insufficient cooling can lead to its overheating or even cell destruction. The cause of this undesirable state is studied with the help of infrared thermography and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling with heat transfer simulation across the stack. The distribution of heat in the stack under various loads was studied, and local points of overheating were determined. Based on the obtained data of the cooling air streamlines and velocity profiles, few ways of the heat distribution optimization along the stack were proposed. This optimization was achieved by changing the original shape of the FC cooling duct. The stable condition of the FC stack at constant load was determined.

Investigating the Parameter-Driven Cathode Gas Diffusion of PEMFCs with a Piecewise Linearization Model

“…Both MEAs are exposed to non-flowing hydrogen gas on one side. The MEA used in this experiment is composed of NAFION 115 membranes, a JM20% Pt/C catalyst, and TP-060 carbon paper [31]. The platinum loading is 1.5 mg/cm 2 , and the effective area of the MEA is 9 cm 2 .…”

Experimental Dynamic Load Cycling and Current Density Measurements of Different Inlet/Outlet Configurations of a Parallel-Serpentine Pemfc

“…The operating conditions of PEMFCs in the transport sector require specific design and durability, and stable and reliable performance under changeable and cycling loads. A number of studies have focused on the performance or durability during PEMFCs operation at different loads, without accent on the PEMFC specific urban cycle dynamic load [2][3][4][5]. The degradation mechanisms associated with the start-up and shut-down of PEMFCs for specific automotive applications requires future design investigations on the way to improve PEMFCs performance and stable operation in urban mode [6,7].…”