Effect of Fan Parameters on Forced-Convection Open-Cathode Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Forced-convection open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells have attracted much attention due to simple structure. The fan, as an important component of the stack, significantly influences the mass density and performance of the stack. Therefore, it is crucial to select the appropriate fan. In this study, the performance of stacks with different fans is compared and the optimal duty ratio and temperature of stacks under different load currents are determined. The experimental results show that excessive air volume reduces the performance of the stack, and the parasitic power should be taken into consideration. Additionally, the weight of the fan is is a significant factor that needs to be considered. Furthermore, the experimental results show that under the condition of sufficient air supply, the appropriate temperature rise is conducive to the improvement of stack performance. In order to reduce the weight of the stack, it is necessary to choose a reasonable fan.