Experimental study on cooling performance of microencapsulated phase change suspension in a PEMFC

In order to remove the heat generated in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack, we used the purchased paraffin to prepare for microencapsulated phase change suspension (MPCS). Physical and electrochemical properties of homemade MPCS were characterized and investigated. We built a PEMFC platform to test the cooling capacity of the MPCS. The MPCS is used as a cooling medium for testing the heat dissipation of a 500 W power generation system and compared with water as a cooling medium. The results show that the use of MPCS saves the weight and volume of coolant and the power consumption of the pump, which has great potential in PEMFC thermal management.