A Finite-Element-Based Investigation of the Influence of the Production Environment on Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies During Manufacturing

Ling Ma (), Zhuoqi Yan, Sebastian Schabel and Jürgen Fleischer
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Ling Ma: wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Zhuoqi Yan: wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Sebastian Schabel: wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Jürgen Fleischer: wbk Institute of Production Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-17

Abstract: The manufacturing process for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), from coating to stack assembly, is typically performed under climate-controlled conditions due to the hygroscopic properties of catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs). Large climate-controlled areas in the assembly line not only increase the energy consumption but also limit the scalability of the production line. In this study, experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of ambient humidity on the mechanical properties of a CCM. The hygroscopic swelling behavior of a commercial CCM with an ePTFE-reinforced membrane was also characterized. Using the finite element method, a 3D numerical model covering the entire MEA assembly process was developed, allowing for a numerical investigation of different climate control strategies. The influence of ambient humidity on the dimensional changes in the CCM, which leads to significant stress on the CCM due to mechanical constraints and thus to deformation of the MEA product, was simulated and validated experimentally using optical measurements. Finally, the critical steps during MEA assembly were identified, and a recommendation for the optimal humidity range for climate control was derived.

Keywords: MEA production; roll-to-roll; micro-environment; swelling and shrinkage behavior (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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