A Lightweight Ambient Air Breathing Fuel Cell Stack

摘要

This paper describes the development of a novel, potentially low cost, simple to construct, lightweight, polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC).Geometry and materials selection issues are discussed, as are water management issues, oxygen enrichment, and the effects of air contaminants on performance.A stack performance of 140 W/kg and 126 W/litre has been achieved, using low cost materials and simple construction techniques. Water management has been enhanced by using a polyimide foam sheath for the fuel cell stack.Single cells have been challenged with air-borne contaminants. Typical air contaminants that would be found in a city environment had little lasting effect. However, chemical warfare (CW) agents produced a profound and irreversible depression in cell voltage.