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RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

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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 surface in single cell of PEFC during the variations of flow rates and relative humidity of supply gases. In the operation, relatively higher temperature 90 °C is maintained and analyzed through the heat transfer model. This study also investigates the impact of PEM thickness on the temperature distribution comparing the conditions with and without MPL. As a result, it is proposed that the combination of thinner PEM and MPL can be effective to manage temperature distribution uniformly, and obtain better PEFC performance at relatively higher temperature operation.