A New Membrane Electrode Assembly for Low-Temperature PEM Fuel Cells Having a Nanocomposite Catalyst Layer

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-82
Author(s):  
David Dvorak ◽  
Mohsen Shahinpoor
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Low Temperature ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Nanocomposite Catalyst

scholarly journals A Mathematical Model toward Real-Time Monitoring of Automotive PEM Fuel Cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Goshtasbi ◽  
Benjamin L. Pence ◽  
Jixin Chen ◽  
Michael A. DeBolt ◽  
Chunmei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Wide Range

A computationally efficient model toward real-time monitoring of automotive polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks is developed. Computational efficiency is achieved by spatio-temporal decoupling of the problem, developing a new reduced-order model for water balance across the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and defining a new variable for cathode catalyst utilization that captures the trade-off between proton and mass transport limitations without additional computational cost. Together, these considerations result in the model calculations to be carried out more than an order of magnitude faster than real time. Moreover, a new iterative scheme allows for simulation of counter-flow operation and makes the model flexible for different flow configurations. The proposed model is validated with a wide range of experimental performance measurements from two different fuel cells. Finally, simulation case studies are presented to demonstrate the prediction capabilities of the model.

Impedance-based Performance Analysis of Micropatterned Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Morio Tomizawa ◽  
Keisuke Nagato ◽  
Kohei Nagai ◽  
Akihisa Tanaka ◽  
Marcel Heinzmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte ◽  
Electrochemical Impedance ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Reduction Reaction ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Membrane Electrode

Abstract Micropatterns applied to proton exchange membranes can improve the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells; however, the mechanism underlying this improvement is yet to be clarified. In this study, a patterned membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was compared with a flat one using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation time analysis. The micropattern positively affects the oxygen reduction reaction by increasing the reaction area. However, simultaneously, the pattern negatively affects the gas diffusion because it lengthens the average oxygen transport path through the catalyst layer. In addition, the patterned MEA is more vulnerable to flooding, but performs better than the flat MEA in low-humidity conditions. Therefore, the composition, geometry, and operating conditions of the micropatterned MEA should be comprehensively optimized to achieve optimal performance.

An Analytical Model of the Membrane Electrode Assembly in a PEMFC

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Litster ◽  
N. Djilali
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Analytical Model ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Finite Thickness ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Catalyst Layers

An analytical model of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEM) has been developed for investigating the effect of catalyst layer specifications. Emphasis is placed on the cathode catalyst layer, which is modeled using a finite-thickness formulation with parameters obtained from a variable-width macrohomogeneous model. The variable-width formulation accounts for the effect of changing catalyst layer specifications on the dimensions of the catalyst layer by assuming a constant void fraction. Interest in low-humidity operation of micro-fuel cells that are passively fed ambient air has facilitated the present derivations and assumptions. The model is shown to agree well with experimental data over a substantial range of catalyst layer specifications. In addition, the model shows excellent promise as a tool for optimizing catalyst layers in micro-fuel cells with passive ambient air breathing.

Mechanical Damage Propagation in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells due to Hygrothermal Fatigue

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshanak Banan ◽  
Aimy Bazylak ◽  
Jean W. Zu
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Damage Propagation

Temperature and relative humidity cycles play an important role in the initiation and propagation of mechanical damage in the PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA). However, there have been few studies on the mechanical damage evolution in PEM fuel cells due to humidity and temperature variations. In this study, we investigate the damage propagation in the MEA, with a special focus on the membrane/CL interface. A finite element model based on cohesive zone theory is developed to describe the effect of relative humidity (RH) amplitude on mechanical damage propagation in the MEA. Results showed that having larger RH variation in the applied cycles can result in up to 3.4 times higher fatigue stresses at the interface, and hence a considerably faster rate for delamination propagation.

Understanding interfaces’ functions and modifications in membrane electrode assembly of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zixuan Shangguan ◽  
Bing Li ◽  
Pingwen Ming ◽  
Cunman Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Membrane Catalyst ◽  
Cathodic Side ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Interfaces in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) refer to the contacting region between two neighboring layers, and on both anodic and cathodic side, there are the proton exchange membrane/ catalyst layer...

Optimum condition of membrane electrode assembly fabrication for PEM fuel cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banyong Nakrumpai ◽  
Kejvalee Pruksathorn ◽  
Pornpote Piumsomboon
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Optimum Condition ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Membrane Electrode

Optimizing the structural design of a nanocomposite catalyst layer for PEM fuel cells for improving mass-specific power density

Nanoscale ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (26) ◽  
pp. 13858-13878
Author(s):  
Junbo Hou ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Changchun Ke ◽  
Guanghua Wei ◽  
Junliang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Structural Design ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Layer Structures ◽  
Nanocomposite Catalyst ◽  
Specific Power Density ◽  
Total Design

Ultrathin catalyst layer structures with ultralow Pt loading in the total design of PEM fuel cells are comprehensively reviewed.

Modeling Ultrasonic Sealing of Membrane Electrode Assemblies for High-Temperature PEM Fuel Cells

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave C. Guglielmo ◽  
Todd T. B. Snelson ◽  
Daniel F. Walczyk
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Ultrasonic Bonding ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assemblies ◽  
Electrode Assemblies ◽  
Physics Simulation ◽  
High Temperature Pem

Ultrasonic bonding, with its extremely fast cycle times and energy efficiency, is being investigated as an important manufacturing technology for future mass production of fuel cells. The objectives of the authors’ research are to (1) create a multi-physics simulation model that predicts through-thickness energy distribution and temperature gradients during ultrasonic sealing of polybenzimidazole (PBI) based Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for High Temperature PEM fuel cells, and (2) correlate the model with experimentally measured internal interface (e.g., membrane/catalyst layer) temperatures. The multi-physics model incorporates the electrode and membrane material properties (stiffness and damping) in conjunction with the ultrasonic process parameters including pressure, energy flux and vibration amplitude. Overall, the processing of MEAs with ultrasonic bonding rather than a hydraulic thermal press results in MEAs that meet or exceed required performance specifications, and potentially reduces the manufacturing time from minutes to seconds.

scholarly journals Components for PEM Fuel Cells: An Overview

2010 ◽  
Vol 657 ◽  
pp. 143-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Maiyalagan ◽  
Sivakumar Pasupathi
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Direct Conversion ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Pem Fuel Cells ◽  
Pollutant Emission ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Electrolyte Membrane

Fuel cells, as devices for direct conversion of the chemical energy of a fuel into electricity by electrochemical reactions, are among the key enabling technologies for the transition to a hydrogen-based economy. Among the various types of fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered to be at the forefront for commercialization for portable and transportation applications because of their high energy conversion efficiency and low pollutant emission. Cost and durability of PEMFCs are the two major challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate their commercialization. The properties of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) have a direct impact on both cost and durability of a PEMFC. An overview is presented on the key components of the PEMFC MEA. The success of the MEA and thereby PEMFC technology is believed to depend largely on two key materials: the membrane and the electro-catalyst. These two key materials are directly linked to the major challenges faced in PEMFC, namely, the performance, and cost. Concerted efforts are conducted globally for the past couple of decades to address these challenges. This chapter aims to provide the reader an overview of the major research findings to date on the key components of a PEMFC MEA.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document