Performance Analysis of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack Having 150 cm² Active Layer by Using Design of Experiments (DOE)

Sakarya University, Engineering Faculty, Mechanical Engineering Department, 54187 Sakarya, Turkey

^* Corresponding author: eeker@sakarya.edu.tr

Abstract

In this study, the effects of operating parameters on power density of a 3-cell PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) stack with serpentine flow channels having 150 cm² total active layer have been examined experimentally. Desing Expert, which is the experimental design program (trial version) was used, and the data obtained as a result of the experiments were analyzed by entering this program. A total of 25 experiments were carried out according to the design created with the data entered into the program within the specified operating conditions range. The independent variables were entered which are cell temperature, humidification temperature, H₂ flow rate and O₂ flow rate, and the response is the power density. In this study, the hydrophobic cell stack which has the highest cell performance of which was previous studies results was used. In the optimization study, keeping the power density and maximum H₂ flow to a minimum, the most suitable values are cell temperature 57.826°C, humidification temperature 56.151°C, O₂ flow 1.587 L/min. Finally 432.398 mW/cm² power density value was obtained under these operating conditions.