Behavior of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Around Critical Fuel and Air Supply Pressure

The performance of a fuel cell depends on fuel and air supply within a range of atmospheric pressure. This paper presents the mathematical model and performance of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell under the condition of critical fuel supply and air pressure. At first, air supply pressure is changed under the condition of constant fuel supply. Secondly, the pressure of fuel supply is changed under the condition of constant air pressure. The effect on air consumption, fuel supply, and overall efficiency of the fuel cell are observed under these conditions. Simulations are carried out for a specific model of PEM fuel cell named Nedstack PS6 which is rated at 6 kW. The results show that, variation of both air pressure and fuel pressure have a noticeable effect on the system.