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Performance and thermal optimization of different length-width ratio for air-cooled open-cathode fuel cell

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  • Zhao, Chen
  • Xing, Shuang
  • Liu, Wei
  • Chen, Ming
  • Wang, Haijiang

Abstract

Open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cells with compact design have attracted increasing attention in the field of portable energy equipment. This study explores the impacts of different length-width ratios (RL-W) of the cell with the same active area (50 cm2) on cell performance based on various measurements of polarization curves, air velocity profile, and temperature distribution. Results suggest that RL-W has a significant impact on cell performance. Remarkably, a performance improvement of 7% is achieved with the increase of RL-W (4.14–22.40) due to the enhancement of heat and mass transfer ability. The maximum temperature difference at the cathode outlet surface is less than 2 °C when RL-W is 22.40. It is also indicated that the optimum cathode outlet surface temperature is about 48～52 °C. Under the condition of ensuring the structural strength and performance of the cell simultaneously, the appropriate range of RL-W is confirmed as 10–20. The results provide basic data and technical support for the system design and application of open-cathode fuel cells.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Chen & Xing, Shuang & Liu, Wei & Chen, Ming & Wang, Haijiang, 2021. "Performance and thermal optimization of different length-width ratio for air-cooled open-cathode fuel cell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 1250-1260.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:178:y:2021:i:c:p:1250-1260
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.06.131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    5. Qiu, Diankai & Zhou, Xiangyang & Chen, Minxue & Xu, Zhutian & Peng, Linfa, 2023. "Optimization of control strategy for air-cooled PEMFC based on in-situ observation of internal reaction state," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    6. Shen, Jun & Du, Changqing & Yan, Fuwu & Chen, Ben & Tu, Zhengkai, 2022. "Experimental study on the dynamic performance of a power system with dual air-cooled PEMFC stacks," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 326(C).
    7. Chang, Huawei & Cai, Fengyang & Yu, Xianxian & Duan, Chen & Chan, Siew Hwa & Tu, Zhengkai, 2023. "Experimental study on the thermal management of an open-cathode air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack with ultra-thin metal bipolar plates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PA).

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