Optimization of parametric performance of a PEMFC

In this study, the Taguchi method was applied to determine optimum working conditions in obtaining maximum power density of a PEMFC. Performance measure analysis was also followed by performing a variance analysis, in order to determine the optimum levels and relative magnitude of the effect of parameters. The optimum working conditions were found to be system pressure, 5 bar; flow rate ratio of H2H2 and O2O2, 1/21/2; temperature of fuel cell, 75∘C and temperature of humidifiers, 75∘C. Under these conditions, the amount of maximum power density was predicted as 353mWcm-2 by using experimental results obtained according to Taguchi's orthogonal array (OA) L9(34)L9(34). Verification experiment was done for the same optimum conditions and maximum power density was observed as 379.64mWcm-2. According to the results of this optimization, it was seen that pressure and humidification temperature were the effective parameters.