The dew point temperature as a criterion for optimizing the operating conditions of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In this article an analytical method to calculate the dew point temperatures of the anode and cathode exit gas streams of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is developed. The results of these calculations are used to create diagrams that show the dew point temperatures as function of the operating pressure, the stoichiometric flow ratios and the net drag coefficient of water through the membrane. Then, computational modeling results obtained with a previously published model are analyzed and compared with the dew point charts, and it is demonstrated how cell flooding or membrane dry-out can be predicted a priori with the aid of these diagrams. Finally, guidelines for the desired cell operating temperature based on the expected dew point temperatures are developed. In the current work these guidelines are limited to the interdigitated flow field design, and they are likely to be different for conventional flow field plates. The diagrams presented here are created for completely dry inlet gases, but they can be easily corrected for a non-zero inlet relative humidity.

► An analytical method to calculate dew point temperatures is developed. ► Diagrams show dew point temperatures as function of pressure, stoichiometric flow ratio, net drag. ► Comparison with computational modeling results is made. ► Guidelines for fuel cell operating conditions are developed. ► Direction of coolant flow can be fixed with aid of dew point charts.