The cold-start behavior and the effect of subzero temperatures on fuel cell performance were studied using a 25-cm2 PEMFC. The fuel cell system was housed in an environmental chamber that allowed the system to be subjected to temperatures ranging from sub-freezing to those encountered during normal operation. Fuel cell cold-start was investigated under a wide range of operating conditions. The cold-start measurements showed that the cell was capable of starting operation at −5 °C without irreversible performance loss when the cell was initially dry. The fuel cell was also able to operate at low environmental temperatures, down to −15 °C. However, irreversible performance losses were found if the cell cathode temperature fell below −5 °C during operation. Freezing of the water generated by fuel cell operation damaged fuel cell internal components. Several low temperature failure cases were investigated in PEM fuel cells that underwent sub-zero start and operation from −20 °C. Cell components were removed from the fuel cells and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant damage to the MEA and backing layer was observed in these components after operation below −5 °C. Catalyst layer delamination from both the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) was observed, as were cracks in the membrane, leading to hydrogen crossover. The membrane surface became rough and cracked and pinhole formation was observed in the membrane after operation at subzero temperatures. Some minor damage was observed to the backing layer coating Teflon and binder structure due to ice formation during operation.
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ASME 2006 4th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
June 19–21, 2006
Irvine, California, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Nanotechnology Institute
ISBN:
0-7918-4247-9
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Effect of Sub-Freezing Temperature on a PEM Fuel Cell Available to Purchase
Q. G. Yan,
Q. G. Yan
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
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H. Toghiani
H. Toghiani
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
Search for other works by this author on:
Q. G. Yan
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
H. Toghiani
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
Paper No:
FUELCELL2006-97162, pp. 283-289; 7 pages
Published Online:
September 15, 2008
Citation
Yan, QG, & Toghiani, H. "Effect of Sub-Freezing Temperature on a PEM Fuel Cell." Proceedings of the ASME 2006 4th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. ASME 2006 Fourth International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, Parts A and B. Irvine, California, USA. June 19–21, 2006. pp. 283-289. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FUELCELL2006-97162
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