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The voltage uniformity analysis of high-power proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack during cold start

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  • Lv, Ping
  • Wu, Siyuan
  • Hou, Ben
  • Sun, Xin
  • Wang, Zixuan
  • Liu, Xueting
  • Li, Guangwei
  • Han, Meng
  • Jiao, Kui
  • Du, Qing
  • Xing, Danmin

Abstract

Achieving fast cold startup for high-power proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks remains a significant challenge for the commercialization of PEMFC vehicles. The cold start capability of a PEMFC stack is predominantly dictated by the performance of its weakest single cell due to the “Buckets effect,” making voltage uniformity a critical factor. In this study, cold start experiments were performed on a 110 kW PEMFC stack comprising 370 cells at −30 °C to investigate the impact of stack structure design and cold start parameters on voltage uniformity. The results demonstrate that the side cell adjacent to the negative electrode consistently exhibits superior performance. Moreover, blocking the water chamber of the unipolar plate and fake cells significantly enhances voltage consistency. The study further analyzes the effects of purge duration, coolant flow rate, cathode gas flow rate, and ambient temperature on voltage uniformity. This work provides a comprehensive experimental analysis of voltage uniformity in high-power stacks during cold start and offers valuable insights to guide stack structure design and cold start strategy optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Lv, Ping & Wu, Siyuan & Hou, Ben & Sun, Xin & Wang, Zixuan & Liu, Xueting & Li, Guangwei & Han, Meng & Jiao, Kui & Du, Qing & Xing, Danmin, 2025. "The voltage uniformity analysis of high-power proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack during cold start," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 393(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:393:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925007299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhan, Zhigang & Yuan, Chong & Hu, Zhangrong & Wang, Hui & Sui, P.C. & Djilali, Ned & Pan, Mu, 2018. "Experimental study on different preheating methods for the cold-start of PEMFC stacks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1029-1040.
    2. Zhong, Di & Lin, Rui & Jiang, Zhenghua & Zhu, Yike & Liu, Dengchen & Cai, Xin & Chen, Liang, 2020. "Low temperature durability and consistency analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack based on comprehensive characterizations," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    3. Lin, Rui & Zhu, Yike & Ni, Meng & Jiang, Zhenghua & Lou, Diming & Han, Lihang & Zhong, Di, 2019. "Consistency analysis of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack during cold start," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C), pages 420-432.
    4. Lin, R. & Ren, Y.S. & Lin, X.W. & Jiang, Z.H. & Yang, Z. & Chang, Y.T., 2017. "Investigation of the internal behavior in segmented PEMFCs of different flow fields during cold start process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 367-377.
    5. Pei, Pucheng & Chen, Huicui, 2014. "Main factors affecting the lifetime of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells in vehicle applications: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 60-75.
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