Dynamic modeling of high temperature PEM fuel cell start-up process

High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) are considered to be the next generation fuel cells. Compared with standard low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (LT-PEMFCs) the electrochemical kinetics for electrode reactions are enhanced by using a polybenzimidazole based membrane at an operation temperature between 160 °C and 180 °C. However, starting HT-PEMFCs from room temperature to a proper operation temperature is a challenge in application where a fast start of the fuel cell is required such as in uninterruptible power supply systems. There are different methods to start-up HT-PEMFCs. Based on a 3D physical model of a single HT-PEMFC, the start-up process is analyzed by comparing the start-up duration of the different start-up concepts. Furthermore, the temperature distribution in the HT-PEMFC is also analyzed. Finally, an optimal start-up method is proposed for the given cell configuration.