Impact analysis of MPL and PEM thickness on temperature distribution within PEFC operating at relatively higher temperature

Abstract In Japan, it is recommended to operate Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) at temperature around 90 °C for stationary applications during the period from 2020 to 2025. However, the present PEFC is using Nafion polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and operated within the temperature range from 60 °C to 80 °C. It is important to understand the temperature distribution in a cell of PEFC for improving the performance and to realize the long life span. This study focuses on use of micro porous layer (MPL), which can promote the moisture transfer in order to control the temperature distribution. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of MPL on temperature distribution at reaction …