Experimental study of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance under low operating temperatures

Abstract

In this study, the performance characteristics of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were investigated at low operating temperatures under steady-state and dynamic conditions. The performance of the PEMFC was analyzed according to the external humidifying rate and air stoichiometry. The ohmic resistance was also investigated using EIS tests. At the operating temperature of 35°C, voltage fluctuation occurred to a greater degree compared to that at 45°C. Therefore, it was found that the air stoichiometry should be higher than 2.5 for the stable operation of the fuel cell. In addition, the relative humidity of the reactant gases should be higher than 60 to reduce the ohmic resistance. © 2014 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.