Thermodynamic and economic study of PEMFC stack considering degradation characteristic

Degradation phenomena is the key factor restricting the performances of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) in its whole life period. This paper presents a degradation model for predicting the lifetime and degradation progress of PEMFC stack. The thermodynamic and economic performances of PEMFC stack over the lifetime are conducted. In thermodynamics, the transient voltage, degradation rate, electrical power and efficiency at various working current are discussed. In economics, the fuel consumption, effects of fuel price and degradation rate on total cost of PEMFC stack during the whole lifetime are studied. The results show that high working current accelerates the cell degradation, largely shorten the lifetime of PEMFC stack. With the raise of current, the degradation rate of singe cell climbs to 4.87 ? 10-5V h-1, lifetime shorten by 25.9%. The electrical efficiency of PEMFC stack at 80A can reach 38.3%. Furthermore, with the raise of degradation rate, the fuel consumption and total cost increases, the average cost of PEMFC stack fluctuates from 17.6 to 34.5 $ h-1.

Automated summary

This study established a degradation model to predict the lifetime and degradation progress of PEMFC stack, revealing that high working current accelerates cell degradation and reduces the lifetime of PEMFC stack. Additionally, it was found that the fuel consumption and total cost of PEMFC stack increase with the rise of degradation rate.