Implementation of Integrated Thermal and Humidification Subsystems of 6 kW PEM Fuel Cell System

摘要

The improper humidification of reactant gasses and operating with non optimal temperature values are main factors influencing the fast degradation of the most expensive element of a PEM fuel cell stack, i.e. a polymer electrolyte membrane. The thermal subsystem keeps the fuel cell stack temperature at a desired level to achieve the optimal conditions of a fuel cell operation [1, 2]. The humidification subsystem ensures the ionic conduction which is a basic element of working the PEM. Since the water as a by-product of the fuel cell is an element used in both subsystems whereas the heat supports a humidification process, both subsystem were integrated. The paper focuses on modeling and implementation of the both subsystems of a 6 kW PEM fuel cell stack. In the first part of the paper, a mathematical model of the thermal subsystem is presented [3]. Then, the selection of the thermal and the humidification subsystems elements are considered. At the end of the paper, conclusions are included and further research is shortly presented.