Performance analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell in automotive applications

This paper deals with the performance analysis of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in automotive applications and especially for start/stop phases. Start-Stop cycles are one main sources degradation systems, embedded applications, among other dynamic conditions as idling, load cycling or high power. In this study, polarization curves electrochemical impedance spectra used to analyze mechanisms inside stack during cycling. Obviously, carbon support catalyst layer is constituent that suffers 2,600 successive performed. The measurement 5 kW PEM revealed ohmic resistance does not vary whereas charger transfer mass resistances increase drastically depending on number cycle repetitions. oxygen reduction reaction impact due fuel/air interface also visible even if reactants consumed dummy shutdowns.