Finite Time Thermodynamic Modeling and Performance Analysis of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In order to improve the output performance of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC), a finite time thermodynamic (FTT) model for HT-PEMFC was established. Several finite time thermodynamic indexes including power density, thermodynamic efficiency, exergy efficiency, exergetic performance efficient (EPC), entropy production rate and ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) were derived. The energetic performance, exergetic performance and ecological performance of the HT-PEMFC were analyzed under different parameters. Results showed that operating temperature, doping level and thickness of membrane had a significant effect on the performance of HT-PEMFC and the power density increased by 58%, 31.1% and 44.9%, respectively. When the doping level reached 8, the output performance of HT-PEMFC wa optimal. The operating pressure and relative humidity had little influence on the HT-PEMFC and the power density increased by 8.7%% and 17.6%, respectively.

Automated summary

This study established a finite time thermodynamic model to analyze the energetic, exergetic and ecological performance of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) under different parameters. The results showed that operating temperature, doping level and membrane thickness had a significant effect on the performance, while operating pressure and relative humidity had little influence.