This project conducted at ENSIC in Nancy, France studied the operation of a PEMFC at low voltages and tests were done to determine if current control with hydrogen flow was possible and the degradation effects on the MEA. Varying length CA and CP tests were conducted. Performance and degradation of the fuel cell were analyzed using GEIS, LSV, and CV. It was determined that the current of a FC could be directly controlled by hydrogen flow within 3% of the target value. Operating at a low voltage of 0.2 V presents a potential application of FCs with supercapacitors and minimal degradation effects. Additionally running a FC with dry inlet gases or at OCV for an extended time was found to rapidly “kill” the MEA.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Goldsmith, Veronica C.
• Mitchel, Lindsay Marie

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032714-080700

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2014

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• ENSIC

Date created

• 2014-03-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright