Parametric Analysis on PEM Fuel Cell for Mobility Applications

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is used in the mobility sector due to low operating temperature and higher efficiency. The objective of the research work is the parametric study on PEM fuel cell employed with single, double and triple serpentine flow channels. The experiments are carried out on fuel cell test facility and studied the influence of operating temperature, back pressure, and relative humidity. The solid electrolyte used for the study is the Nafion-112 membrane. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with 50% porosity is used for the tests. Characteristic curves of the fuel cell provided in this study are useful to understand the influence of each parameter. The findings demonstrate that, the fuel cell with the triple serpentine flow channel exhibits superior electrochemical performance in comparison to the fuel cell with double and single flow channels. The current density of Nafion-112 membrane at 0.4 volts and 100% relative humidity is 35.2% greater than Nafion-117 membrane at 95% relative humidity.