Lifetime Prediction of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell under Automotive Load Cycling Using a Physically-Based Catalyst Degradation Model

Abstract

One of the bottlenecks hindering the usage of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell technology in automotive applications is the highly load-sensitive degradation of the cell components. The cell failure cases reported in the literature show localized cell component degradation, mainly caused by flow-field dependent non-uniform distribution of reactants. The existing methodologies for diagnostics of localized cell failure are either invasive or require sophisticated and expensive apparatus. In this study, with the help of a multiscale simulation framework, a single polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) model is exposed to a standardized drive cycle provided by a system model of a fuel cell car. A 2D multiphysics model of the PEMFC is used to investigate catalyst degradation due to spatio-temporal variations in the fuel cell state variables under the highly transient load cycles. A three-step (extraction, oxidation, and dissolution) model of platinum loss in the cathode catalyst layer is used to investigate the cell performance degradation due to the consequent reduction in the electro-chemical active surface area (ECSA). By using a time-upscaling methodology, we present a comparative prediction of cell end-of-life (EOL) under different driving behavior of New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC).

Prognostic methods for proton exchange membrane fuel cell under automotive load cycling: a review

“…Mayur et al [48] used the same model as presented before [46] and use a time upscaling methodology to reduce the time of simulation for a faster PEMFC lifespan prediction. The authors use the 2D multi‐physics model to predict the PEMFC lifetime under two driving cycles: the World harmonised light vehicles test cycle (WLTC) and the NEDC cycle.…”

Mathematical Formulation of Management Targets

“…Additionally, fuel cells using conventional hydrocarbon fuels also have gained great concerns, such as Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). Figure 3.10 gives the power characteristics of a methanol fuel cell [28].…”

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Road Vehicles: State of the Art and Perspectives

“…Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 28 degradation would enable us to propose effective mitigation strategies to enhance active layer durability, which is another crucial technological issue [27,31].…”

“…Therefore, major research efforts aim to limit the quantity required, either by controlling the deposition process to ensure it takes place only at the interface and not in unnecessary areas, by alloying it with other metals [28,29], or by synthesizing new catalysts with similar properties that can limit or eliminate PGMs use [30]. Regarding AL lifetime under automotive operating conditions, finding clear insights of catalyst degradation would enable us to propose effective mitigation strategies to enhance active layer durability, which is another crucial technological issue [27,31].…”