Thermodynamic Optimization of a High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell for Fuel Cell Vehicle Applications

In this paper, a finite time thermodynamic model of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) is established, in which the irreversible losses of polarization and leakage current during the cell operation are considered. The influences of operating temperature, membrane thickness, phosphoric acid doping level, hydrogen and oxygen intake pressure on the maximum output power density P-max and the maximum output efficiency eta(max) are studied. As the temperature rises, P-max and eta(max) will increase. The decrease of membrane thickness will increase Pmax, but has little influence on the eta(max). The increase of phosphoric acid doping level can increase P-max, but it has little effect on the eta(max). With the increase of hydrogen and oxygen intake pressure, Pmax and eta(max) will be improved. This article also obtains the optimization relationship between power density and thermodynamic efficiency, and the optimization range interval of HT-PEMFC which will provide guidance for applicable use of HT-PEMFCs.

Automated summary

In this paper, a finite time thermodynamic model of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) is established, and the influences of operating conditions on the maximum output power density and efficiency are studied to provide guidance for practical applications.