Applications of Heat Pipes for Thermal Management of Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review

With the depletion of conventional energy resources, Fuel Cells (FCs) have emerged as a promising clean energy technology, and each step towards efficiency and power production improvement would be effective in their commercialization. FCs offer several advantages, including high efficiency, portability, ease of installation and maintenance, high power density, and the flexibility to operate with different fuels. Despite these benefits, the commercialization of FCs faces challenges such as performance limitations, reliability concerns, durability issues, and high costs. Among these challenges, thermal management plays a critical role in maintaining FC longevity and performance. Inappropriate thermal management can lead to uneven temperature distribution, increased degradation rates, and reduced overall efficiency. To address this issue, this study explores the potential of Heat Pipes (HPs) as an effective cooling solution for FCs. HPs present a cost-effective alternative to conventional cooling systems due to their passive operation, eliminating the need for additional components such as pumps and valves, which not only simplifies the system but also reduces weight. Furthermore, HPs contribute to a more uniform temperature distribution within the fuel cell stack, expand the operational temperature range, enhance power generation, and improve overall system efficiency. These advantages make HPs a promising solution for improving the durability and performance of FCs, thereby accelerating their commercialization.