In this paper, the effects of gas flow rates and catalyst loading on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance was investigated using a 50 cm2active area fuel cell fixture with serpentine flow field channels machined into poco graphite blocks. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with catalyst and gas flow rates at two levels each (0.5 mg/cm2, 1 mg/cm2; 0.3 l/min, 0.5 l/min, respectively) were tested at 60 °C without humidification. The cell performance was analyzed by taking ac impedance, Tafel plot, open circuit voltage, and area specific resistance measurements. It was observed that MEAs with lower gas flow rate had lesser cell resistance compared to MEAs with a higher gas flow rate. Tafel plot shows the highest exchange current density value of 10−2.05 mA cm2 for MEA with 0.5 mg/cm2 catalyst loading tested at reactant gas flow rate of 0.3 l/min signifying it had the least activation loss and fastest reaction rate. Open circuit voltage-time curve shows a higher output voltage and lesser voltage decay rate for MEAs tested at higher gas flow rates.
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February 2012
This article was originally published in
Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology
Research Papers
Investigation of the Effects of Catalyst Loading and Gas Flow Rate on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Performance and Degradation
Hector-Martins C. Mogbo
Hector-Martins C. Mogbo
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
e-mail: hcmvk3@mst.edu
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla
, MO
65409-0050
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Anthony C. Okafor
Mem. ASME e-mail:
Hector-Martins C. Mogbo
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla
, MO
65409-0050e-mail: hcmvk3@mst.edu
J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol. Feb 2012, 9(1): 011006 (13 pages)
Published Online: December 19, 2011
Article history
Received:
May 18, 2010
Revised:
September 16, 2011
Online:
December 19, 2011
Published:
December 19, 2011
Citation
Okafor, A. C., and Mogbo, H. C. (December 19, 2011). "Investigation of the Effects of Catalyst Loading and Gas Flow Rate on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Performance and Degradation." ASME. J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol. February 2012; 9(1): 011006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4005120
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