Air Mass Flow and Pressure Optimization of a PEM Fuel Cell Hybrid System for a Forklift Application

Gojmir Radica, Ivan Tolj (), Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy and Sivakumar Pasupathi
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Gojmir Radica: Department of Thermal Machines, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, R. Boškovića 32, 21000 Split, Croatia
Ivan Tolj: Department of Thermodynamics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, R. Boškovića 32, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy: HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Sivakumar Pasupathi: HySA Systems Competence Centre, South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa

Energies, 2023, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: The air compressor holds paramount importance due to its significant energy consumption when compared to other Balance of Plant components of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The air supply system, in turn, plays a critical role in ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the entire fuel cell system. To enhance system efficiency, the impact of varying the stoichiometric ratio of air and air pressure was observed. This investigation was carried out under real loading conditions, replicating the conditions experienced by the power module when fuel cells are in use within a forklift. The air compressor can be operated at different pressure and excess air ratios, which in turn influence both the fuel cell’s performance and the overall efficiency of the power module system. Our research focused on assessing the performance of PEM fuel cells under different load cycles, adhering to the VDI60 requirements for forklift applications. This comprehensive examination encompassed the system’s minimum and maximum load scenarios, with the primary goal of optimizing excess air and pressure ratio parameters, especially under dynamic load conditions. The results revealed that higher air pressures and lower excess air ratios were conducive to increasing system efficiency, shedding light on potential avenues for enhancing the performance of PEM fuel cell systems in forklift applications.

Keywords: air pressure; optimization; PEM fuel cell; air compressor; stoichiometric ratio; real/dynamic loading condition; system efficiency (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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