Current-ramping strategy can be used for rapid startup of PEM fuel cells (PEMFC) from subzero temperatures. Via numerical modeling a series of parametric studies are performed in this work to explore the optimum parameter set for current-ramping cold-start. A PEMFC with standard cell thermal mass, 0.4 J/cm2/K, starting from −30°C is of primary interest in this work. It is found that either a small initial current density (100mA/cm2) combined with an intermediate ramping rate, or a relatively large initial current density (200 mA/cm2) in combination with a small ramping rate, can lead to successful self-starts if the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is sufficiently dry prior to startups. However, the current-ramping cold-start with a too small initial current density (≤50mA/cm2) is found to shut down with whatever the current-ramping rate. More rapid self-start can be achieved by increasing the initial current density, which is limited mainly by the initial water content in the MEA. Hence, keeping the MEA mildly hydrated prior to cold start can be favorable to the rapid current-ramping startup. This is particularly important for the rapid startup of next-generation PEMFCs with reduced thermal mass. Results show that a PEMFC with 0.2 J/cm2/K thermal mass and a relatively wetted MEA can be successfully started up from −30°C in a few seconds if it is possible to draw the current density as high as 1 A/cm2 right from the beginning.
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ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
June 8–10, 2009
Newport Beach, California, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Advanced Energy Systems Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4881-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Rapid Startup of a PEM Fuel Cell From Subzero Temperature
Fangming Jiang,
Fangming Jiang
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Chao-Yang Wang,
Chao-Yang Wang
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Ken S. Chen
Ken S. Chen
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
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Fangming Jiang
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Chao-Yang Wang
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Ken S. Chen
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Paper No:
FuelCell2009-85029, pp. 289-297; 9 pages
Published Online:
February 17, 2010
Citation
Jiang, F, Wang, C, & Chen, KS. "Rapid Startup of a PEM Fuel Cell From Subzero Temperature." Proceedings of the ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. Newport Beach, California, USA. June 8–10, 2009. pp. 289-297. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FuelCell2009-85029
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