Investigation and Development the Modelling of Intermediate Temperature PEM Fuel Cell for Transport Applications

Abstract

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) have garnered significant attention due to their distinct advantages over other fuel cell technologies. These advantages include high efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and robust power generation capabilities, making PEMFCs highly suitable for both stationary and transportation applications. As a promising solution for mitigating climate change, PEMFCs contribute to the sustainability of the transportation sector while ensuring a reliable energy supply, provided that a continuous hydrogen source is maintained. This study presents a comprehensive review of Intermediate-Temperature Proton-Exchange Membrane (IT-PEM) fuel cells, a crucial advancement aimed at enhancing fuel cell performance under elevated operating temperatures. In an ideal scenario, gas crossover across the membrane in PEMFCs should be completely prevented. However, a minimal crossover rate—accounting for approximately 1–3% fuel losses—is observed, necessitating further investigation alongside other critical challenges associated with PEMFCs. To address these concerns, a theoretical model for IT-PEM fuel cells has been developed and remains an ongoing research endeavor. An extensive literature review reveals that a nanocomposite membrane with 15 wt.% additive content exhibits superior reliability for facilitating PEMFC operation at intermediate temperatures. Nevertheless, further research is required to enhance efficiency at both intermediate and high-temperature conditions, thereby improving CO tolerance and other gas interactions, while fully leveraging the benefits of IT-PEM technology for next-generation fuel cell applications.