Current Status and Fundamental Research Needs in Thermal Management within a Pemfc Stack

Understanding the thermal effects is critical in optimizing the performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A PEMFC produces a similar amount of waste heat to its electric power output and tolerates only a small deviation in temperature from its design point. These stringent thermal requirements present a significant heat transfer challenge. The heat balance also interplays with the water balance. Although a considerable amount of work has been reported on the experiments and comprehensive thermal models of the fuel cells, the fundamental heat transfer mechanisms in each individual fuel cell component are still not clearly understood. In this work, these thermal transport issues at component level (including polymer, catalyst layers, gas diffusion media and bipolar plates) are reviewed. The current status of PEMFC cooling technology is also reviewed and suggestions for future research are outlined.