Optimized Design On The Structure Of Visualization In PEMFC And The Voltage Oscillation Areas In The Long-term Operation Of A PEMFC: District B

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is also called as SolidPolymer Fuel Cell(SPFC). Because of its advantages, such as operating atroom temperature, high power density, transient adaptability, it is a promisingpower device for distributed power stations and electrical vehicles (EV).However, PEMFC is still facing many problems, such as life expectancy andcost issues. Two voltage oscillation areas occur during the long-termoperation of a PEMFC. This paper researches on district B by EIS andvisualization techniques. The followings are specific contents.Based on the structure of a conventional PEMFC single cell, avisualization cathode flow field combining a solid polycarbonate end plateand an engraved graphite plate was designed. However, it was found the fogwas condensed on the internal surface of the solid polycarbonate andimpacted the visualization. As a result, a hollow polycarbonate end plate was designed. By pumping heated ethylene glycol solution into the hollowpolycarbonate end plate, fogging was eliminated. However, it was foundbubbles were released from the heated ethylene glycol solution after sometime and they gathered inside the hollow polycarbonate end plate to impactthe visualization. As a result, pure glycerin was used as the circulating fluid.Clear visualization was finally reached while the performance of thetransparent cell remained unchanged.According to the optimal design, the paper designs a visualized PEMFCwith a transparent cathode side, studying the voltage oscillation areas in thelong-term operation: district B. The result shows: improving the batteryoperating temperature, reducing the current density and reducing the airhumidity are useful for maintaining a stable voltage in district B in thelong-term operation of a PEMFC.