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Study of Contact Pressure Distribution in Bolted Encapsulated Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly

Author

Listed:
  • Gui Ren

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Yanfeng Xing

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Juyong Cao

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Ying Wang

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

  • Linfa Peng

    (School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Xuelong Miao

    (School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China)

Abstract

The distribution of contact pressure on the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) significantly affects the performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). This paper establishes a PEM fuel cell model to investigate the impact of bolt load and its distribution, sealing gasket hardness, and size on the magnitude and distribution of contact pressure on the MEA during assembly. Thermal–mechanical coupling is employed to simulate the thermal effects resulting from chemical reactions under operational conditions. The findings reveal that there is an extremum of pressure uniformity in the range of 5000 to 6250 N for bolt loads. When the average bolt load is lower than this extremum, altering the distribution of the load can effectively enhance the uniform distribution of contact pressure. Stiffer gaskets reduce the contact pressure on the MEA while increasing the pressure on the gasket itself, resulting in reduced deformation. A rational matching relationship among gaskets, Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs), and seal grooves is proposed. During operational conditions, thermal effects decrease the sealing performance and also impact the magnitude and distribution of contact pressure on the MEA. These outcomes provide significant guidance for the assembly and performance evaluation of PEMFCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Gui Ren & Yanfeng Xing & Juyong Cao & Ying Wang & Linfa Peng & Xuelong Miao, 2023. "Study of Contact Pressure Distribution in Bolted Encapsulated Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6487-:d:1235723
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xing, Shuang & Zhao, Chen & Liu, Wei & Zou, Jiexin & Chen, Ming & Wang, Haijiang, 2021. "Effects of bolt torque and gasket geometric parameters on open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    2. Abdul Ghani Olabi & Tabbi Wilberforce & Abdulrahman Alanazi & Parag Vichare & Enas Taha Sayed & Hussein M. Maghrabie & Khaled Elsaid & Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem, 2022. "Novel Trends in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-35, July.
    3. Alizadeh, E. & Ghadimi, M. & Barzegari, M.M. & Momenifar, M. & Saadat, S.H.M., 2017. "Development of contact pressure distribution of PEM fuel cell's MEA using novel clamping mechanism," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 92-97.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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