Naslov
Evaluation of a Novel Design Air-Cooled 1 kW PEM-Based Fuel Cell Stack

Autori
Chow, Oscar ; Friedman, Jack ; Halter, D. ; Barbir, Frano

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, pp prezentacija, znanstveni

Skup
1st International Conference on Fuel Cell Development and Deployment

Mjesto i datum
Storrs (CT), Sjedinjene Američke Države, 07.03.2004. - 10.03.2004

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
PEM fuel cell stack; back-up power; air-cooled; 7-layer membrane electrode assembly

Sažetak
A novel fuel cell stack was designed by Proton Energy Systems (PES) based on Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles. The stack, intended for back-up power application, is extremely simple, with only two repetitive components, namely bi-polar plates and 7-layer MEAs. The stack employs several unique design features such as long and narrow active area to facilitate edge cooling with air, central compression with polyuretane springs and with a shroud instead of tie rods, and use of shroud as a duct for cooling air. A short, 4-cell was initially built as a proof-of-concept, and evaluated at PES to validate the design. The ease of assembly was demonstrated and the effects of reactant gas stoichiometry, humidification level and flow configuration on stack performance performance were determined. A 1-kW stack was subsequently built at Proton and tested at CGFCC facilities. A unique feature of the testing was the reactant hydrogen gas was provided directly to the fuel cell from a PEM-based electrolyzer manufactured by PES. The testing included verification of stack start-up procedures, stack polarization curve and short term stability at both nominal power output and partial load.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Strojarstvo

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