IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v290y2024ics0360544223035223.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Investigating and quantifying the effects of catalyst layer gradients, operating conditions, and their interactions on PEMFC performance through global sensitivity analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Fan, Ruijia
  • Chang, Guofeng
  • Xu, Yiming
  • Xu, Jiamin

Abstract

A gradient cathode catalyst layer (CCL) with promoted mass transfer and Pt utilization could enhance the output performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Since operating conditions affect reaction and mass transfer rate inside the PEMFC, the gradient CCL can only exert its full potential within a narrow operating range. Assessing the impact of gradients, operating conditions, and their interactions on output performance is vital to maximizing the benefits of gradient CCLs. Therefore, a global sensitivity analysis was conducted using Sobol's approach based on a one-dimensional, two-phase, non-isothermal PEMFC model. Five parameters, including Pt gradient (α), ionomer gradient (β), temperature (T), anode relative humidity (RHa), and cathode relative humidity (RHc), were selected as model inputs. The results show that RHc has the most significant impact on output performance among the operating parameters. The advantage provided by the gradient design is presented in mass transport-constrained situations. The impact of α on current density is more significant than β. Meanwhile, regarding the interaction effect of operating conditions and gradients, α and RHc provide the most significant pairwise interaction effect. Finally, the mechanisms underlying these interactions were analyzed, and some options were proposed to maximize the benefits of gradient CCLs.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan, Ruijia & Chang, Guofeng & Xu, Yiming & Xu, Jiamin, 2024. "Investigating and quantifying the effects of catalyst layer gradients, operating conditions, and their interactions on PEMFC performance through global sensitivity analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:290:y:2024:i:c:s0360544223035223
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.130128
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544223035223
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2023.130128?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Roshandel, Ramin & Ahmadi, Farzad, 2013. "Effects of catalyst loading gradient in catalyst layers on performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 921-931.
    2. Shao, Qian & Gao, Enlai & Mara, Thierry & Hu, Heng & Liu, Tong & Makradi, Ahmed, 2020. "Global sensitivity analysis of solid oxide fuel cells with Bayesian sparse polynomial chaos expansions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    3. Fan, Ruijia & Chang, Guofeng & Xu, Yiming & Xu, Jiamin, 2023. "Multi-objective optimization of graded catalyst layer to improve performance and current density uniformity of a PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    4. Xing, Lei & Liu, Xiaoteng & Alaje, Taiwo & Kumar, Ravi & Mamlouk, Mohamed & Scott, Keith, 2014. "A two-phase flow and non-isothermal agglomerate model for a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 618-634.
    5. Zeng, Tao & Zhang, Caizhi & Hao, Dong & Cao, Dongpu & Chen, Jiawei & Chen, Jinrui & Li, Jin, 2020. "Data-driven approach for short-term power demand prediction of fuel cell hybrid vehicles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    6. Huang, Weifeng & Niu, Tong & Zhang, Caizhi & Fu, Zuhang & Zhang, Yuqi & Zhou, Weijiang & Pan, Zehua & Zhang, Kaiqing, 2023. "Experimental study of the performance degradation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on a multi-module stack under selected load profiles by clustering algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    7. Hou, Yuze & Deng, Hao & Pan, Fengwen & Chen, Wenmiao & Du, Qing & Jiao, Kui, 2019. "Pore-scale investigation of catalyst layer ingredient and structure effect in proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    8. Liu, Yang & Tu, Zhengkai & Chan, Siew Hwa, 2023. "Water management and performance enhancement in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system using optimized gas recirculation devices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    9. Xing, Lei & Shi, Weidong & Su, Huaneng & Xu, Qian & Das, Prodip K. & Mao, Baodong & Scott, Keith, 2019. "Membrane electrode assemblies for PEM fuel cells: A review of functional graded design and optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 445-464.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wei, Pengnan & Chang, Guofeng & Fan, Ruijia & Xu, Yiming & Chen, Siqi, 2023. "Investigation of output performance and temperature distribution uniformity of PEMFC based on Pt loading gradient design," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).
    2. Tzelepis, Stefanos & Kavadias, Kosmas A. & Marnellos, George E. & Xydis, George, 2021. "A review study on proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrochemical performance focusing on anode and cathode catalyst layer modelling at macroscopic level," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    3. Wu, Horng-Wen, 2016. "A review of recent development: Transport and performance modeling of PEM fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 81-106.
    4. Yang, Liu & Cao, Chenxi & Gan, Quanquan & Pei, Hao & Zhang, Qi & Li, Ping, 2022. "Revealing failure modes and effect of catalyst layer properties for PEM fuel cell cold start using an agglomerate model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    5. Wan, Yue & Qiu, Diankai & Yi, Peiyun & Peng, Linfa & Lai, Xinmin, 2022. "Design and optimization of gradient wettability pore structure of adaptive PEM fuel cell cathode catalyst layer," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    6. Xing, Lei & Shi, Weidong & Su, Huaneng & Xu, Qian & Das, Prodip K. & Mao, Baodong & Scott, Keith, 2019. "Membrane electrode assemblies for PEM fuel cells: A review of functional graded design and optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 445-464.
    7. Lai, Tao & Qu, Zhiguo, 2023. "Two polytetrafluoroethylene distribution effects on liquid water dynamic behavior in gas diffusion layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with a pore-scale method," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    8. Tai, Xin Yee & Xing, Lei & Christie, Steve D.R. & Xuan, Jin, 2023. "Deep learning design of functionally graded porous electrode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    9. Fan, Ruijia & Chang, Guofeng & Xu, Yiming & Xu, Jiamin, 2023. "Multi-objective optimization of graded catalyst layer to improve performance and current density uniformity of a PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
    10. Zhang, Yong & He, Shirong & Jiang, Xiaohui & Xiong, Mu & Ye, Yuntao & Yang, Xi, 2023. "Three-dimensional multi-phase simulation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance considering constriction straight channel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
    11. Zhang, Xiaoqing & Yang, Jiapei & Ma, Xiao & Zhuge, Weilin & Shuai, Shijin, 2022. "Modelling and analysis on effects of penetration of microporous layer into gas diffusion layer in PEM fuel cells: Focusing on mass transport," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    12. Salva, J. Antonio & Iranzo, Alfredo & Rosa, Felipe & Tapia, Elvira, 2016. "Validation of cell voltage and water content in a PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell model using neutron imaging for different operating conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 100-112.
    13. Abdollahzadeh, M. & Ribeirinha, P. & Boaventura, M. & Mendes, A., 2018. "Three-dimensional modeling of PEMFC with contaminated anode fuel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 939-959.
    14. Teng Teng & Xin Zhang & Qicheng Xue & Baodi Zhang, 2024. "Research of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Modeling on Concentration Polarization under Variable-Temperature Operating Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-17, February.
    15. Ismail, M.S. & Ingham, D.B. & Ma, L. & Hughes, K.J. & Pourkashanian, M., 2017. "Effects of catalyst agglomerate shape in polymer electrolyte fuel cells investigated by a multi-scale modelling framework," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 420-430.
    16. Chen, Ke & Luo, Zongkai & Zou, Guofu & He, Dandi & Xiong, Zhongzhuang & Zhou, Yu & Chen, Ben, 2024. "Multi-objective optimization of gradient gas diffusion layer structures for enhancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance based on response surface methodology and non-dominated sorting gen," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    17. Luka Mihanović & Željko Penga & Lei Xing & Viktor Hacker, 2021. "Combining Baffles and Secondary Porous Layers for Performance Enhancement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-28, June.
    18. Yao, Jing & Wu, Zhen & Wang, Huan & Yang, Fusheng & Xuan, Jin & Xing, Lei & Ren, Jianwei & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2022. "Design and multi-objective optimization of low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells with efficient water recovery and high electrochemical performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    19. Guo, Lingyi & Chen, Li & Zhang, Ruiyuan & Peng, Ming & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2022. "Pore-scale simulation of two-phase flow and oxygen reactive transport in gas diffusion layer of proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Effects of nonuniform wettability and porosity," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    20. Xing, Lei & Du, Shangfeng & Chen, Rui & Mamlouk, Mohamed & Scott, Keith, 2016. "Anode partial flooding modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Model development and validation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 80-95.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:290:y:2024:i:c:s0360544223035223. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.