PEMFC Electrochemical Degradation Analysis of a Fuel Cell Range-Extender (FCREx) Heavy Goods Vehicle after a Break-In Period

Jia-Di Yang, Theo Suter, Jason Millichamp, Rhodri E. Owen, Wenjia Du, Paul R. Shearing, Dan J. L. Brett and James B. Robinson ()
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Jia-Di Yang: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
Theo Suter: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
Jason Millichamp: Advanced Propulsion Lab, Marshgate, University College London, London E20 2AE, UK
Rhodri E. Owen: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
Wenjia Du: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
Paul R. Shearing: ZERO Institute, Holywell House, Osney Mead, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 0ES, UK
Dan J. L. Brett: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
James B. Robinson: Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: With the increasing focus on decarbonisation of the transport sector, it is imperative to consider routes to electrify vehicles beyond those achievable using lithium-ion battery technology. These include heavy goods vehicles and aerospace applications that require propulsion systems that can provide gravimetric energy densities, which are more likely to be delivered by fuel cell systems. While the discussion of light-duty vehicles is abundant in the literature, heavy goods vehicles are under-represented. This paper presents an overview of the electrochemical degradation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell integrated into a simulated Class 8 heavy goods range-extender fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle operating in urban driving conditions. Electrochemical degradation data such as polarisation curves, cyclic voltammetry values, linear sweep voltammetry values, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy values were collected and analysed to understand the expected degradation modes in this application. In this application, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack power was designed to remain constant to fulfil the mission requirements, with dynamic and peak power demands managed by lithium-ion batteries, which were incorporated into the hybridised powertrain. A single fuel cell or battery cell can either be operated at maximum or nominal power demand, allowing four operational scenarios: maximum fuel cell maximum battery, maximum fuel cell nominal battery, nominal fuel cell maximum battery, and nominal fuel cell nominal battery. Operating scenarios with maximum fuel cell operating power experienced more severe degradation after endurance testing than nominal operating power. A comparison of electrochemical degradation between these operating scenarios was analysed and discussed. By exploring the degradation effects in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, this paper offers insights that will be useful in improving the long-term performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in heavy-duty vehicle applications and the design of hybridised powertrains.

Keywords: PEMFC; HGV; FCHEV; PEMFC degradation; drive cycles (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: 2024
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