Investigation of the performance parameters for a PEMFC by thermodynamic analyses: Effects of operating temperature and pressure

In the present study, thermodynamic performance characteristics of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) at ranging operating temperatures and pressures were examined through energy and exergy analyses. The energy and exergy figures of the reactants and products were taken into account by thermodynamic analysis. In addition, the significant parameters such as destroyed exergy, entropy generation, thermal efficiency, and exergy efficiency were calculated at the aforementioned conditions to give more knowledge regarding the PEMFC. In conclusion, the power density and exergy efficiency improved as the operating temperature of the FC boosted. When the current density was 1, the exergy efficiency increased by 13.17% as the operating temperature ascended from 303 K to 363 K. At all operating temperatures, the augmentation in current density caused irreversibility, so entropy generation ascended. Since the increase in operating temperature led to an increase in power density, amount of exergy that was destroyed declined. Augmentation of the working pressure at constant temperature did not remarkably enhance the exergy efficiency. In the case of a current density of 1, the exergy efficiency values at the operating pressures of 3 atm and 12 atm were found to be 54.42% and 53.79%, respectively.

Automated summary

The present study examined the thermodynamic performance characteristics of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) at various operating temperatures and pressures through energy and exergy analyses. It was found that increasing the operating temperature improves power density and exergy efficiency, while increased current density leads to increased irreversibility and entropy generation. Increasing working pressure does not significantly enhance exergy efficiency.