Optimization of graded catalyst layer to enhance uniformity of current density and performance of high temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
- Title
- Optimization of graded catalyst layer to enhance uniformity of current density and performance of high temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
- Creator
- K.P V.B.; Varghese G.; Joseph T.V.; Chippar P.
- Description
- The optimal use of catalyst materials is essential to improve the performance, durability and reduce the overall cost of the fuel cell. The present study is related to spatial distributions of current and overpotential for various graded catalyst structures in a high temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). The effect of catalyst gradient across the catalytic layer (CL) thickness and along the channel and their combination on cell performance and catalyst utilization is investigated. The graded catalytic structure comprises two, three, or multiple layers of catalyst distribution. For a total cathode catalyst loading of 0.35 mg/cm2, higher loading near the membrane presents improved cell performance and catalyst utilization due to reduced limitations caused by oxygen and ion diffusions. However, non-uniformity in the current distribution is significantly increased. The increase in the catalyst loading along the reactant flow provides a substantially uniform current density but lower cell performance. The synergy of varying catalytic profiles across the CL thickness and along the cathode flow direction is investigated. The results emphasize the importance of a rational design of cathode structure and mathematical functions as a strategic tool for functional grading of a CL towards improved uniform current distribution and catalyst utilization. 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC
- Source
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol-47, No. 6, pp. 4018-4032.
- Date
- 2022-01-01
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Subject
- Catalyst grading; Current distribution; High temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; Mathematical functions; Numerical modeling
- Coverage
- K.P V.B., CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, 560 029, India; Varghese G., CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, 560 029, India; Joseph T.V., CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, 560 029, India; Chippar P., Applied Engineering and Computational Analysis Laboratory, St Joseph Engineering College (Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi), Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, 575 028, India
- Rights
- Restricted Access
- Relation
- ISSN: 3603199; CODEN: IJHED
- Format
- Online
- Language
- English
- Type
- Article
Collection
Citation
K.P V.B.; Varghese G.; Joseph T.V.; Chippar P., “Optimization of graded catalyst layer to enhance uniformity of current density and performance of high temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed February 23, 2025, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/15214.