Test Method and Equivalent Circuit Modelling of a PEM Fuel Cell in a Passive State

摘要

Anovel test protocol is proposed for fuel cells that arein a nonfunctioning or passive state. Standard fuel-cell test methodsare reviewed, along with the equivalent circuit models (ECMs)used to represent functioning or active fuel cells. Standard activetests focus on single cells, while the passive test is shown to be applicableto testing multiple cells. The passive test measures electricalcharacteristics of the fuel cell in the absence of electrochemicalreactions. A simple ECM is developed to describe the cell behaviorunder the passive test conditions. Circuit model parameters ofmany series-connected cells can be acquired using the results of asingle stack test. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)from three manufacturers were tested, ranging in system powerfrom 12–500 W. Test results for each PEMFC exhibited similarbehavior that is well predicted by the ECM. A strong similarity betweena passive fuel cell and a double layer capacitor is discussed.