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Mechanical degradation of proton exchange membrane along the MEA frame in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

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  • Qiu, Diankai
  • Peng, Linfa
  • Liang, Peng
  • Yi, Peiyun
  • Lai, Xinmin

Abstract

Mechanical degradation, caused by local stress concentration and variation, significantly affects the lifetime of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. This study constitutes the first numerical investigation of stress evolution in the membrane between the frame of the membrane exchange assembly (MEA) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) throughout the processes of assembly, operation and gas filling in fuel cells. A finite element model is outlined to determine mechanical deformation of the membrane by exerting assembly displacement, hygrothermal conditions and gas pressure in turn. It is observed that severe stress concentration and bending deformations occur in the joint-area membrane. The results show that a plastic deformation occurs after the temperature and water content are increased, and would be substantially enhanced by the gas pressure difference between the anode and cathode. The in-plane stress may throw some light on the rapid degradation of the membrane between the frame and GDL. The gas pressure difference, which exceeds 10 kPa, leads to a rapid increase in the in-plane stress and plastic deformation. Decreasing the joint width may not be a good approach for reducing the stress/strain concentration. It is suggested that additional gasket seals or adhesive protection layers are helpful in joining frame and GDL.

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  • Qiu, Diankai & Peng, Linfa & Liang, Peng & Yi, Peiyun & Lai, Xinmin, 2018. "Mechanical degradation of proton exchange membrane along the MEA frame in proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PB), pages 210-222.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:165:y:2018:i:pb:p:210-222
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.09.136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Yousefi Tehrani, Mehran & Mirfarsi, Seyed Hesam & Rowshanzamir, Soosan, 2022. "Mechanical stress and strain investigation of sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) proton exchange membrane in fuel cells: A numerical study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 182-200.
    7. Chen, Kui & Laghrouche, Salah & Djerdir, Abdesslem, 2019. "Degradation model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on a novel hybrid method," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C), pages 1-1.
    8. Dharmjeet Madhav & Junru Wang & Rajesh Keloth & Jorben Mus & Frank Buysschaert & Veerle Vandeginste, 2024. "A Review of Proton Exchange Membrane Degradation Pathways, Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in a Fuel Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-27, February.
    9. Huu Linh Nguyen & Jeasu Han & Xuan Linh Nguyen & Sangseok Yu & Young-Mo Goo & Duc Dung Le, 2021. "Review of the Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell in Long-Term Operation: Main Influencing Parameters and Testing Protocols," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-34, July.
    10. 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).
    11. Song, Ke & Wang, Yimin & Ding, Yuhang & Xu, Hongjie & Mueller-Welt, Philip & Stuermlinger, Tobias & Bause, Katharina & Ehrmann, Christopher & Weinmann, Hannes W. & Schaefer, Jens & Fleischer, Juergen , 2022. "Assembly techniques for proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack: A literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    12. Pan, Mingzhang & Pan, Chengjie & Li, Chao & Zhao, Jian, 2021. "A review of membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Transport phenomena, performance and durability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    13. Qiu, Diankai & Peng, Linfa & Lai, Xinmin & Ni, Meng & Lehnert, Werner, 2019. "Mechanical failure and mitigation strategies for the membrane in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    14. Zikuan Zhang & Yongle Tan & Daozeng Yang & Tiankuo Chu & Bing Li, 2023. "A Finite Element Analysis Model-Based Study on the Effect of the Frame on Membrane Stresses in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    15. Zhen Zhang & Fen Zhou & Zhigang Zhan & Jinting Tan & Mu Pan, 2023. "The Mechanical Characteristics of the Neck Zone for a PEMFC Stack," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-11, February.

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