Experimental analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell using laboratory‐scale hydrogen generation unit

Abstract Hydrogen energy is an alternative to fossil fuels. It has the potential to generate electricity when used in a fuel cell. A fuel cell generates electricity till it receives hydrogen and oxygen. The present work evaluated a 1‐kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell for its performance at variable operating parameters. The operational parameters are essential in examining the outputs from the fuel cell. Hydrogen flow rate (HFR) and gas pressure were two operating parameters considered for the cell performance. The hydrogen was generated from a hydrogen production and purification unit, whereas the oxygen was captured from the air. About 61% reduction in the HFR from 13 to 5 L per minute (LPM) resulted in only 29% reduction in output current. In contrast, the addition and subtraction of 10% gas pressure from the rated value resulted in an 8% and 14% decline in output power. Similarly, a decline in the overall system efficiency was observed with increasing gas pressure from 0.4 bar to 0.9 bar, whereas the overall system efficiency increased at 5 LPM from 1 LPM. Therefore, the lower HFR reduced the cell output. Still, the hydrogen requirement also decreased significantly, which showed that the percentage decline in output was comparatively lower than the percentage of hydrogen saved.