Xuan_APEN-D-18-12445R1.pdf (2.85 MB)
A comprehensive proton exchange membrane fuel cell system model integrating various auxiliary subsystems
journal contribution
posted on 2019-11-25, 10:13 authored by Zirong Yang, Qing Du, Zhiwei Jia, Chunguang Yang, Jin Xuan, Kui Jiao© 2019 Elsevier Ltd A comprehensive proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system model is developed, including a pseudo two-dimensional transient multiphase stack model, a one-dimensional transient multiphase membrane humidifier model, a one-dimensional electrochemical hydrogen pump model, an air compressor model with proportion-integral-derivative control and a ribbon-tubular fin radiator model. All sub-models have been rigorously validated against experimental data to guarantee the system model accuracy. The effects of stack operating temperature, gas flow pattern and humidifier structural design are investigated to cast insights into the interaction among stack and auxiliary subsystems. The results indicate that the stack is successfully maintained at required operating temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C) with help of the radiator when the whole system starts from ambient temperature (25 °C). However, the stack is likely to suffer from membrane dehydration when operated at 70 °C, and the problem becomes more severe at 80 °C, causing significant performance deterioration. The water and temperature distribution inside the system are further demonstrated. The co-current flow pattern contributes to better water utilization of the whole system which may lead to higher output performances. But the counter-current flow pattern has positive effects on parameter distribution uniformity inside fuel cell, which is beneficial for the stack durability. As regards the membrane dehydration, it is found that optimizing membrane humidifier area does not fundamentally solve the problem. Increasing humidifier area contributes to higher water vapor transfer rate, however, it results in much slower humidification responses.
Funding
National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFB0105500)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant No. 51976138)
China-UK International Cooperation and Exchange Project (Newton Advanced Fellowship) jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant No. 51861130359)
UK Royal Society (grant No. NAF\R1\180146)
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Chemical Engineering
Published in
Applied EnergyVolume
256Publisher
Elsevier BVVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Rights holder
© ElsevierPublisher statement
This paper was accepted for publication in the journal Applied Energy and the definitive published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113959Acceptance date
2019-09-30Publication date
2019-10-16Copyright date
2019ISSN
0306-2619Publisher version
Language
- en