A Finite Element Analysis Model-Based Study on the Effect of the Frame on Membrane Stresses in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Zikuan Zhang, Yongle Tan, Daozeng Yang, Tiankuo Chu () and Bing Li
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Zikuan Zhang: Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 999 Shan’lian Road, Shanghai 201804, China
Yongle Tan: School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University (Jiading Campus), 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China
Daozeng Yang: School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University (Jiading Campus), 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China
Tiankuo Chu: School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University (Jiading Campus), 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China
Bing Li: School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University (Jiading Campus), 4800 Cao’an Road, Shanghai 201804, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: The frame of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has an important impact on durability and reliability of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this study, the finite element analysis method has been used to build a two-dimensional model that can quickly screen and compare different frame structures and improve the design. Simulation results show that the membrane in the gap between the frame and the active area will generate a large amount of stress, close to the yield strength of the membrane under this condition, after application of the pressure difference. Further, an appropriate frame structure can improve the structural consistency between the frame and the area with moving materials, reduce membrane stress and improve reliability. The problem of stress concentration on the membrane at the joint area is solved by introducing a double-layer frame structure to limit membrane deformation. Hence, this can effectively alleviate the impact of the gap at the joint area and improve the durability of MEA.

Keywords: proton exchange membrane; frame; gas pressure; stress concentration; finite element analysis; membrane electrode assembly; two-dimensional model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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