Experimental investigation of the steady-state efficiency of fuel cell stack under strengthened road vibrating condition

The steady-state efficiency of the fuel cell stack is experimentally investigated in terms of steady-state hydrogen utilization, actual efficiency and maximum efficiency point through a 162 h strengthened vibration test in this paper, in order to analyse the steady-state performance of the fuel cell stack under long-term vibrating condition on strengthened roads. The load spectra applied in the test are simulated by the acceleration signals of the fuel cell stack, which are previously measured in a vehicle vibration test. The load signals of the vehicle vibration test are iterated through a road simulator from vehicle acceleration signals which are originally sampled in the strengthened road of the ground prove. The test results show that the steady-state hydrogen utilization of the stack decreases by 30.7% during the test. The maximum drop of steady-state actual efficiency is 21.0%. Additionally, the maximum efficiency point of the stack declines by 5.4%, while the corresponding current experiences an increment of 47.2 A. From the results it can be concluded that the strengthened road vibration exerts a significant influence on the steady-state performance of the fuel cell stack, which cannot and should not be ignored during the research.

► A 162 h strengthened vibration test is conducted in this paper.
► A fluctuating variation of hydrogen utilization with a downward trend is observed.
► The actual efficiency descends significantly and the maximum decline is 21.0%.
► The decline of maximum efficiency of the stack is 5.4%.
► The strengthened road vibration has a great influence on steady-state performance.