Evaluation of HT-PEM Fuel Cells via Load Cycling at High Current Densities

摘要

The basic prerequisites for a well-functioning fuel cell stack are identical MEAs with similar performances and power outputs. One poor MEA in a cell stack can negatively affect the overall performance as well as the lifetime of this fuel cell stack. During this work, HT-PEM-MEAs of four different providers were tested using the accelerated stress test load cycling at high current densities (14 min at 1.0 A/cm~2 and 6 min at 0.6 A/cm~2) and compared with each other. In addition, internal-batch comparisons for two of the four suppliers were carried out. There are distinctive differences between suppliers as well as within a batch, clearly showing the need for the development of uniform quality assurance measures. In-situ electrochemical as well as ex-situ micro-computed tomography results will be presented for this MEA evaluation.