Analysis of polymer electrolyte fuel cell performance by electrode polarization model

For development of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) lifetime estimation method, a high accuracy PEFC electrode polarization model is required. An electrode polarization model which was previously proposed was verified. However, accuracy of the electrode polarization model was not enough to estimate PEFC performance under various conditions. A new high accuracy PEFC electrode polarization model has been developed based on electrochemical consideration and data observed at elevated pressures. In the cathode polarization model, effects of O2 diffusion and H2O plugging have to be considered to obtain high accuracy for long-term operation. In addition, PEFC performance degradation was analyzed by the electrode polarization model. Main factors of PEFC performance degradation are OCV drop, the cathodic activation polarization, voltage drops by O2 diffusion and H2O plugging.