Three-Dimensional Simulation on the Effects of Different Parameters and Pt Loading on the Long-Term Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

The choice of platinum loading and the choice of the operating parameters of the cell are crucial in order to enhance a PEMFC’s endurance and, at the same time, to raise its performance. In this paper, a single-channel PEMFC counter-current model is developed to investigate the effects of a 0.3 mg/cm² Pt loading model and a 0.1 mg/cm² Pt loading model on the performance and durability of PEMFCs with different operating pressures, different cathode stoichiometry, and different channel and plate widths. It was found that increasing the PEMFC operating pressure and cathode stoichiometry would increase the cell performance and have some improvement for durability. Additionally, increasing the channel/plate width ratio would improve the cell performance while decreasing the cell durability.