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

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.