Characterization of a Ballard MK5-E Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack

Abstract

We present the results of an experimental investigation of the energy balance of a Ballard MK5-E proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack. We have investigated the transient phenomena that occur during PEMFC stack warm-up, under load switching, and when the PEMFC stack is connected to a DC/AC inverter. A simple and convenient model describing the polarization curve as a function of the temperature is presented and validated by our experimental data. We also present experimental results on the increase PEMFC stack performance as a function of the current density for different oxygen concentrations of the oxidant gas.