An investigation into the predictability of membrane durability in Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Applied mechanics (MPAME), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Lindqvist, Justus
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This work addresses the issue of lifetime of the proton exchange membrane, one of
the vital components of Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with a focus on its
mechanical and fatigue response under typical operating conditions.
Although the durability of a complete system can only be defined by investigating
each of its constituent materials and components, both separately and in combina tion, the polymer membrane that acts as a gas separator and a solid electrolyte is
at the heart of a fuel cell’s performance. The mechanical stability of this membrane
is the most pressing issue for efficient commercialization of Hydrogen fuel cells, and
a large hindrance for achieving longer lifetimes of hydrogen fuel cells is the lack of
understanding of its degradation and eventual failure during operation.
To properly evaluate this one needs to a.) determine the in-situ mechanical stresses
that develop in the membrane, and b.) to evaluate the effect of the mechanical stress
response on the membrane fatigue life. Both of which will be covered in this thesis.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
PEM; degradation; durability; hydrogen; Membrane; Fuel cell