PEM fuel cell water management under sub-ambient temperatures

Polymer Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells have been proposed to replace Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to provide a cleaner and more sustainable source of power. PEM fuel cells are best suited for transportation applications since they can deliver high power density at low temperatures using hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from ambient air as oxidant. For PEM fuel cells to be competitive with ICE powered vehicles, cold start issues need to be addressed to ensure that the fuel cell is capable of delivering rapid and stable performance in order to operate at low temperature conditions. In this presentation, an analysis of the various performance limiting factors of a PEM fuel cell under freezing conditions will be provided. The importance of cell water management in relation to the performance of PEM fuel cell electrolyte membrane during cold start operation will be closely examined.