Validation of an externally oil-cooled 1 kWel HT-PEMFC stack operating at various experimental conditions

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2013-08, Vol.38 (23), p.9847-9855
• Main Authors: Bujlo, P., Pasupathi, S., Ulleberg, Ø., Scholta, J., Nomnqa, M.V., Rabiu, A., Pollet, B.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Anodes; Applied sciences; CO tolerance; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Externally cooled; Fuel cell stack; Fuels; HT-PEMFC; Hydrogen
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.05.174

The performance of 1 kWel 48-cell HT-PEMFC at various experimental conditions is presented, particularly at several CO concentrations (up to 1.0%). Polarization curves measured at various anode (1.0–2.5) and cathode (1.6–4.0) stoichiometries; stack operating temperatures (120–160 °C) and gas pressures (up to 0.5 barg) are reported and analysed. The minimum gas stoichiometries of 1.25 and 2.0 were determined for the anode and cathode, respectively. The highest stack power density of 225 mW cm−2 was measured at 160 °C and 0.4 A cm−2. Operation at CO concentrations up to 1% was achieved, although a loss of performance of about 4% was observed for low CO concentrations. The operating temperature enhanced fuel cell performance and tolerance to CO, even when supplied with higher CO concentration in the anode feed gas. •The study focuses on investigation of technology of PBI membrane based HT-PEMFC.•The performance of 1 kW HT-PEMFC stack at various conditions is studied.•CO tolerance in anode feed gas of HT-PEMFC stack is investigated.•Operation of HT-PEMFC stack at 1% CO concentration and 160 °C is reported.•The condition at which the HT-PEMFC stack performance is the highest is presented.