Contribution to Thermal Analysis of the Air-Cooled Pem Fuel Cell

Abstract

This contribution deals with thermal modelling and experimental analysis of the air-cooled PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell for power systems of transportation applications. The technology of the energy conversion which directly converts chemical energy of the fuel (hydrogen fuel) into electrical energy presents a potential replacement for the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) in transportation applications. PEM fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device which converts chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen directly and efficiently into electrical energy with waste heat and liquid water as by-products of the reaction. There is a number of advantages to a PEM fuel cell powered electromobiles that use hydrogen such as energy efficient and environmentally benign low temperature operation, quick start-up, compatibility with renewable energy sources and ability to obtain a power density competitive with the internal combustion engine in the perspective. This paper explores the limits of using the air cooling for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) stacks. Thermal analysis of the air-cooled fuel cells is, however, a major problem that stems from a low operating temperatures of PEM fuel cell stacks in contrast to the conventional internal combustion engines. In the present study, a numerical thermal model is presented in order to analyse the heat transfer and predict the temperature distribution in air-cooled PEM fuel cells. In order to validate the performance of the created analytical simulation model, comparisons of the data obtained through experimental measurements in the Fuel Cells laboratory have been made.