Dynamic cell performance of kW-grade proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack with dead-ended anode

•A kW-grade fuel cell stack with anode dead-ended mode was examined.•The dead-ended anode is achieved by controlling the anode outlet solenoid valve.•Results indicated an optimal purge interval and duration for cell performance.

This paper examines the dynamic cell performance of a kW-grade proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack with anode dead-ended mode fuel supply. A self-made kW-grade 40 cells stack with reaction area of 112.85 cm2 has been used in the experiment. A single-chip (DSPIC30F4011) is utilized for establishing a control circuit to monitor the voltage and current with constant-current loading. The stack temperature is controlled at a low-level temperature rise. To enhance the hydrogen utilization and reduce the water flooding in the fuel cell stack, the dead-ended anode operation is accomplished by controlling the open or close of the anode outlet solenoid valve. As the loading is heavy, the anode outlet solenoid valve is purged frequently to force the water to flow out. While a light load, the anode outlet solenoid valve is shut down for a period time for hydrogen saving. The solenoid valve is controlled to be opened, referred as purge interval, reaching the discharge amount for 1000 C, 1500 C, and 2000 C as parameter, respectively. The open period of solenoid valve, referred as purge duration, is set as 1 s, 3 s, and 5 s for this study. Experimental results indicate an optimal purge interval and duration for water management and cell performance of the fuel cell stack.