The potential of using nanofluids in PEM fuel cell cooling systems: A review

This paper explores the potential and challenges of using nanofluids in cooling systems for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) in automotive applications. PEMFCs have clearly emerged as a promising alternative to existing conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs) in vehicles, mainly due to their relatively high electrical energy conversion efficiency (around 55% based on the high heating value of hydrogen), and zero emissions in operation. Despite their relatively low heat generation and low operating temperature (~65 °C), PEMFCs require a relatively large radiator in their cooling systems, which is unfavourable in automotive applications. Nanofluids have attracted great interest as coolants due to their superior heat transfer properties. This paper thus reviews the using of nanoparticles with a suitable base fluid as a coolant in PEMFCs. It is found that a nanofluid coolant in a PEMFC can reduce the size of the radiator needed to dissipate its thermal load (by up to 10% relative to standard heat transfer fluids), eliminate the need for a deionizing filter, and lower the freezing point of the base fluid.