Effect of Elevated Fuel Cell Operating Temperature (120 deg C and 140 deg C) and Membrane Thickness on Proton Conductivity for Combat Vehicle Use
Abstract
Electrical power required to operate vehicles in the U.S. Army is increasing due to expanding mission requirements, such as silent watch, exportable power, and powerful onboard electronics. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) provide a solution, but stack thermal-cycling, electrocatalyst and membrane degradation losses need to be reduced before integration of PEMFCs can be realized. Membrane thermal degradation is exacerbated by poor heat rejection (as ballistic grills impede airflow) which can raise stack temperatures greater than or equal to 140 deg C. Commercial PEMFCs operate tilde 65 deg C so elevated temperatures could degrade the membrane. Nafion 115 (127 micrometer), 117 (183 micrometer) and 1110 (254 micrometer) membranes submerged in 16 M omega water were heated between 65-140 deg C to investigate elevated temperature and membrane thickness on proton conductivity. EIS results showed sample thickness did not statistically impact conductivity overall. Conductivity, however, was impacted for temperatures greater than 100 deg C with each material. Overall, these materials are not suitable when operating PEMFCs above 100 deg C.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1091761
Entities
People
- Theodore E. Burye
Organizations
- United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center