An adiabatic cell as a model for stack in PEFC cold start study

摘要

Inadequate cold start capability impedes the diffusion of fuel cell vehicles in cold regions. While the isothermal cell commonly used in literature is valuable in examining failure mechanism, it is not suitable for exploring startup strategy and the associated degradation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). A model cell capable of simulating the adiabatic thermal boundary conditions of central cells inside the stack is needed. Herein, we design an adiabatic cell as a model for the central cells in PEFC stack. The adiabatic thermal boundary condition is realized by utilizing thermal adjustment boards, thermocouples, and heating plates. The power of heating plates is adjusted by a feedback proportion integration-differentiation controller in real time. The system is shown to be capable of providing an adiabatic thermal boundary condition with quick response rate and having no risk of overheating in successful starts with two kinds of strategies. This cell can work as a model system for reproducible and well-controlled study of cold start of PEFC stack (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.