A polymer electrolyte fuel cell life test: 3 years of continuous operation

Implementation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) for stationary power applications requires the demonstration of reliable fuel cell stack life. One of the most critical components in the stack and that most likely to ultimately dictate stack life is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This publication reports the results of a 26,300 h single cell life test operated with a commercial MEA at conditions relevant to stationary fuel cell applications. In this experiment, the ultimate MEA life was dictated by failure of the membrane. In addition, the performance degradation rate of the cell was determined to be between 4 and 6 μV h−1, at the operating current density of 800 mA cm−2. AC impedance analysis and DC electrochemical tests (cyclic voltammetry and polarization curves) were performed as diagnostics during and on completion the test, to understand materials changes occurring during the test. Post mortem analyses of the fuel cell components were also performed.