The Purge Characteristics and Strategy in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with a Linear Segmentation-Based Anode Recirculation System

Weihao Guo, Xiaoxuan Mu, Weida Shen, Chaoqi Ma, Jie Yu, Fu Wang () and Jinliang Yuan
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Weihao Guo: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Xiaoxuan Mu: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Weida Shen: Ningbo Cycol Power Technology Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315211, China
Chaoqi Ma: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jie Yu: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Fu Wang: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Jinliang Yuan: Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: This study introduces a novel linear segmentation method to optimize the nitrogen purge strategy for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating in an anode recirculation mode. The method simplifies the design of purge cycles by eliminating the need for complex mathematical modeling and multivariable optimization, making it more suitable for industrial applications while avoiding the need for lengthy orthogonal experiments. By experimentally determining the maximum tolerable nitrogen accumulation time and leveraging the linear relationship between nitrogen accumulation and purge duration, the traditional long-cycle purge process is divided into multiple short cycles, establishing an optimal nitrogen discharge strategy. Experimental results demonstrate that the segmented purge cycles significantly reduce voltage fluctuations and improve voltage uniformity across cells. Notably, using a purge threshold with a 30 s closing time and a 2 s opening time resulted in a 19.8% improvement in voltage uniformity. In addition, a detailed analysis of the hydrogen consumption during the purge cycle reveals that an excessive purge frequency leads to significant hydrogen losses, whereas prolonged purge cycles may allow nitrogen accumulation to adversely affect voltage stability. By balancing these effects, the proposed strategy maintains the operational efficiency within the ideal range of 50–60%.

Keywords: PEMFC; anode recirculation mode; nitrogen crossover; nitrogen purging; linear segmentation method (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: 2025
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