Solutions for the durability of fuel cells in vehicle applications

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8484.2011.02.001

Abstract

Abstract: Durability is one of the challenges for the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. The mechanisms and solutions
for fuel cell degradation are elucidated from the material and system point of view. In the aspect of fuel cell system, typical
operating processes are analyzed, such as driving cycles, start-stop, low load and idle conditions, in which reactant starvation,
dynamic potential scanning and local high potential have significant impacts on the fuel cell durability. Feasible strategies are also
discussed for mitigating the degradation. The current state and perspective are addressed on the durability of key material in fuel
cells, i.e., catalyst, catalyst support, proton exchange membrane, membrane electrode assembly and bipolar plate. The effective
methods to enhance the fuel cell durability should be based on both the material innovation and system improvement. Currently,
the improvement on system control strategy is a feasible way to prolong fuel cell lifetime although it has been result in a complex
system. Nevertheless, material innovation is a long term task to promote the fuel cell durability. Fuel cells with advanced durable
materials and simply system is a desirable goal for the fuel cell vehicle application.

Key words: electric vehicle, fuel cells, durability

CLC Number:

U 469.72

YI Bao-Lian, HOU Ming. Solutions for the durability of fuel cells in vehicle applications[J]. Journal of Automotive Safety and Energy, 2011, 2(2): 91-100.

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