Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Applied for Transport Sector

A thermodynamic analysis of a PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) is investigated. PEMFC may be the most promising technology for fuel cell automotive systems, which is operating at quite low temperatures, (between 60 to 80℃). In this study the fuel cell motive power part of a lift truck has been investigated.

The fuel cell stack used in this model is developed using a Ballard PEMFC [1], so that the equations used in the stack modeling are derived from the experimental data. The stack can produce 3 to 15 kilowatt electricity depending on the number of cells used in the stack. Some of the electricity will be consumed by pumps and compressors in the system.

Generally the whole system can be separated in three parts, cathode circuit, anode circuit and cooling loops. In this paper the effect of operating conditions and anode recirculation on power production as well as system efficiency have been investigated. In addition, different stack design schemes have been proposed and their effect on system efficiency has been investigated.