Guidelines for stable operation of a PEMFC with self-humidifying membrane electrolyte

Abstract

Energy is one of the most valuable commodities in the global market in the past few decades. The sources of renewable energy generation such as wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, wind and solar makes up 11% of global energy contribution in 2019 according to study by Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy. The figure is projected to climb to 35% of global energy generation by 2025 according to International Energy Agency.

With the growing need and demand for new sources of renewable energy to cope with the negative environmental effects from greenhouse gases, fuel cell technology has a great potential that can be leveraged on and is a feasible alternative to current renewable and non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels.

The dissertation aims to study the various guidelines required to achieve stability in the operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) through the analysis of the parametric relationships of the humidification within the fuel cell. This could enhance the performance of a MEA model that is able to maintain its humidification without the dependency on external sources of humidification under certain operating conditions.

Furthermore, PEMFC provides a plethora of applications especially in transport sector and has competitive advantages such as modularity, minimal noise pollution, high conversion efficiency and zero emission capability which is in line with the global net zero carbon target by 2050. Hence, PEMFC will inevitably be one of the leading forefronts for this shift in the emerging global renewable energy market in near future to satisfy the collective efforts of market leaders and countries to reduce greenhouse emissions.