Improved polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell systems through failure mode analysis and incorporation of degradation into fuel cell hybrid power systems & control strategies

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The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM) hold the promise of more energy efficient and cleaner power in the future. The PEM fuel cell is unique in that its electrolyte consists of a layer of solid polymer, which allows protons to be transmitted from one face to the other. It basically requires humidified hydrogen and oxygen (or air) as its inputs. It operates at a temperature much lower than other fuel cells because of the limitations imposed by the thermal properties of the membrane itself, and the requirement to hydrate the membrane (i.e. above 100 degrees C the water will not be a liquid). Fuel cell performance at the 'beginning of life' is well understood and has been modeled in a number of different manners. However, two of the most important considerations in an electrical power system are reliability and life, therefore performance at 'end-of-life' is of interest. The objective of this research is to develop a reliability model for a PEM fuel cell stack and system, and link the failure modes to material degradation phenomenon. Reliability analysis can be regarded as part of the overall study of component effectiveness, specifically defined as the probability that the component can successfully meet operational demand within a given time, when operated under specific conditions.