Effects of cathode channel size and operating conditions on the performance of air-blowing PEMFCs

Bosung Kim, Yongtaek Lee, Ahyoung Woo, Yongchan Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Air-blowing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been developed as a potential new power source for portable electronic devices. However, air-blowing PEMFCs show lower performance than compressed-air PEMFCs because of their adverse operating conditions. In this study, the effects of the cathode channel size and operating conditions on the performance of the air-blowing PEMFC were analyzed. At the normal operating temperature, the performance of the air-blowing PEMFC improved with the decrease in the cathode channel size. However, at a low operating temperature and low fan voltage, massive flooding limits the decrease in the cathode channel size. In addition, water management in the air-blowing PEMFC was investigated by analyzing ohmic resistance. The transition current density between the humidification and the flooding region decreased with decreasing cathode channel size and operating temperature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)441-448
Number of pages8
JournalApplied Energy
Volume111
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Nov

Keywords

  • Air-blowing PEMFC
  • Cathode channel size
  • Cell performance
  • Operation region
  • Water management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Energy(all)
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Building and Construction
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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