Determination of an Optimum Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell Based on its Limiting Current Density

Abstract

In this paper, determination of optimum current density and cell voltage of a PEM fuel cell based on its limiting current density is carried out. The optimum values are calculated in terms of A and B, which represent the coefficients of the activation and concentration overpotentials, and a factor K, which relates the two overpotentials in the standard cell voltage equation. The analysis is conducted over a wide range of a fuel cell limiting current density, ohmic resistance and K. The results showed that higher overpotentials and optimum current densities are achieved with higher values of A, B, ohmic resistance or limiting current density. Furthermore, higher activation overpotential and optimum cell voltage can be achieved with an increase in K.