Performance Evaluation of PEMFC Single Cells under Constant Voltage and Constant Current Conditions

• DOI: 10.26748/ksoe.2024.072
• Publication Date: 2025-01-21T07:37:59Z
• Authors: Seon Hyeong Lee; Jae Hong Kim; Jae Heon Kwon; Ryu Bin Kwon; Kwang Hyo Jung; Moonho Son; Hyun Park
• Keywords: Constant (computer programming); Constant current; Constant voltage

Operating conditions significantly affect the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in marine applications. This study presents experimental results for the performance evaluation of PEMFC single cells under constant voltage and constant current conditions, simulating marine vessel operations. The cells were operated at constant voltages of 0.75 and 0.60 V and at a constant current of 6.64 A. Periodic polarization curve measurements were used to assess performance degradation. The degradation rate at 0.60 V was 13.5% higher than at 0.75 V, while the rate at 0.75 V was 21.0% higher than under constant current conditions at 6.64 A. The findings demonstrate that constant voltage operation accelerates PEMFC degradation more significantly than constant current operation, with the effect being more pronounced at lower voltages. These results provide foundational data for predicting lifespan and determining optimal operating conditions for PEMFCs in marine applications.