Study on Performance Improvement of Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System by Stack Modification Using Simulation Tool

The low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (LT-PEMFC) is the leading contender and has been developed intensively over the past decades. On top of that, the challenges associated with the development of PEM fuel cell systems have also increased many times due to the complexity of various technological interactions such as mechanical (hydration systems, compressors, heat exchangers), electrical/electronic (pumps, motors, sensors, power electronics), catalysts, etc. Consequently, this hinders their commercialization and competence with present automotive engines. Nevertheless, to accomplish higher power from the fuel cell system study on optimized performance behavior between balance of plant (BoP) and fuel cell system is significant. For this reason, the AVL CRUISE M Simulation software is deployed as a critical tool to simulate the performance of LT-PEM fuel cell systems. Based on the above discussion, the overall aim of this paper is to study the LT-PEM fuel cell system performance characteristics by modifying the fuel cell stack surface area for optimized hydrogen, air and cooling system management to achieve system power of 70–80 kW to use in commercial vehicle applications.