Evaluating cold-start behaviors of end and intermediate cells in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stack

► We studied cold-start behaviors of end and intermediate cells in a PEFC stack. ► In the end cell heat loss to the ambient through stack end plate is critical. ► Ice formation in end cell dominates over the waste heat generation in cold-start. ► Ice formation in intermediate cell is suppressed due to rise in temperature. ► This study helps to identify optimal operating strategies for cold-start of a PEFC stack.