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Simulation and experimental analysis of the clamping pressure distribution in a PEM fuel cell stack

Title
Simulation and experimental analysis of the clamping pressure distribution in a PEM fuel cell stack
Author(s)
Bates, AlexMukherjee, SantanuHwang, SunwookLee, Sang C.Kwon, OsungChoi, Gyeung HoPark, Sam
Issued Date
2013-05
Citation
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, v.38, no.15, pp.6481 - 6493
Type
Article
Author Keywords
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)Gas diffusion layer (GDL)Bipolar platesContact resistanceClamping pressure
Keywords
CONTACT RESISTANCEMEMBRANEPERFORMANCENAFION
ISSN
0360-3199
Abstract
High performance and efficiency are often reported in single-cell polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell (FC) experiments. This however, can reduce substantially when moving from single-cell experiments to multiple cells. Fuel cell performance is degraded for many reasons when adding cells, but; possibly the most important, is contact resistance between the bipolar plate and gas diffusion layer (GDL). Contact resistance is in direct relation to the clamping configuration and clamping pressure applied to a FC stack. Simulation of a single cell and 16-cell FC was performed at various clamping pressures resulting in detailed 3D plots of stress and deformation. The stress on the GDL, for any value of clamping pressure simulated in this study, is around 1.5 MPa for the 16-cell stack and around 4 MPa in single cell simulations. Experimental testing of clamping pressure effects was performed on a 16-cell stack by placing a thin pressure-sensitive film between GDL and bipolar plate. Clamping pressure was applied using various loads, durations, and two types of GDLs. The results from experimental testing show that pressure on the GDL is in the range of 0-2.5 MPa. When using rectangular cells, experimental results show nearly zero pressure in the center of each cell and the center cells of the stack, regardless of clamping method. Copyright © 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11750/2433
DOI
10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.03.049
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
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Appears in Collections:
Division of Intelligent Robot 1. Journal Articles
Interdisciplinary Engineering Major Advanced Intelligent Mobility Research Group 1. Journal Articles

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