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Review
. 2024 Sep 27;10(19):e38556.
doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38556. eCollection 2024 Oct 15.

A comprehensive review of primary cooling techniques and thermal management strategies for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells PEMFC

Abubakar Unguwanrimi Yakubu  1 , Jiahao Zhao  1 , Qi Jiang  1 , Xuanhong Ye  1 , Junyi Liu  1 , Qinglong Yu  1 , Shusheng Xiong  1   2
Affiliations
Review

A comprehensive review of primary cooling techniques and thermal management strategies for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells PEMFC

Abubakar Unguwanrimi Yakubu et al. Heliyon. .

Abstract

Enhancing the endurance and efficiency of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires efficient thermal management. This comprehensive review examines the primary cooling techniques employed in PEMFC systems, concentrating on techniques for air and liquid cooling. Liquid cooling, which circulates a coolant through channels adjacent to the ability of the fuel cell stack to maintain ideal operating temperatures, is highlighted and significantly reduces temperature variations, thereby improving overall efficiency and lifespan. In contrast, air cooling, while simpler and more cost-effective, is less effective in high-power applications due to its reliance on ambient air for heat dissipation. The review also discusses advancements in thermal management strategies, including innovative designs for heat exchangers and the integration of thermal resistance networks, which enhance heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, the paper underscores the importance of developing durable materials to address catalyst and membrane degradation, and it explores the potential for integrating PEMFCs using renewable energy sources to encourage environmentally friendly transportation solutions. By identifying current challenges and proposing future research directions, this review aims to support the continuous creation of effective and reliable PEMFC technologies.

Keywords: Automotive applications; Cooling techniques; PEMFCs; Renewable energy integration (ICE); Sustainable energy solutions.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work and that there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, or company that could be construed as influencing the position presented in the review of the manuscript entitled “A comprehensive review of primary cooling techniques and thermal management strategies for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells PEMFCs”

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagram showing the coolant channel proton exchange membrane fuel cell system [251].
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(a) Illustrates an automotive catalytic converter (b) Exploring the dynamics of the platinum group metals market.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Current techniques to improve oxygen reaction reduction catalyst longevity and performance for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Developing platinum group metals -free oxygen-reduction catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
shows Pt-Ni N.P.s in the form of a dumbbell recorded by their 3D structural model (f), Stem [(b) and (d)], and Tem [(a), (c), and (e)]. The Pt-Ni/C catalyst's oxygen reduction reaction mass activity was higher than 1.3 A/mg Pt.21 [89].
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Cross-sections of a catalyst layer obtained by cryo-sem with two currents [104,151,152].
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Current density's impact on water balance.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Current density's effect on the rate of water change.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Current density's impact on pressure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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