Numerical study of time and number cycle to failure for the new bipolar plate in the PEM fuel cell used in hybrid energy storage

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2023-11, Vol.48 (89), p.34961-34978
• Main Authors: Sławiński, Daniel, Chaja, Patryk, Rafał, Krzysztof, Bykuć, Sebastian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coffin-Manson; Current density; PEMFC; Quasi-cleavage fracture; Ratcheting; Viscoplastic
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.05.271

The operation of a fuel cell poses significant problems related to local current density and the failure rate of components. The issue results from high flow resistance and stresses that guarantee the tightness of the stack. Low flow resistance allows the stack to be used in Hybrid Energy Storage. This study shows that the selection of the best variant of the channel shape in a fuel cell should be based on more than just observing electrochemical performance. Increasing the current density flux can lead to faster component degradation. Older material degradation models based on the strain tensor will only accurately identify some risks. Thanks to the use of Perzyna's viscoplastic model, it was possible to protect the fuel cell from premature failure. Earlier studies did not indicate how the changes in the shape introduced, improving the electrochemical properties, impacted the component's service life during cyclic loads. [Display omitted] •Sinusoidal channels showed a higher power density than the parallel channel.•The sinusoidal wave generates an additional convective mass flux.•The shape canal change did not affect the time to mixed-type fracture.•The use of Perzyna's model showed a cyclical increase in strain energy.•The cyclic increase in plastic strain describes the ratcheting phenomenon.