Development,manufacture and validation of an open cathode LT-PEMFC stack at HySA systems

This work presents open cathode low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack development and validation process project performed at HySA Systems as a part of a long-term programme funded by Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa. A detailed explanation of the stack design, manufacturing, assembly and validation is given as well as detailed analysis of results is presented. Prototype stack has an electrode active area of 50 cm², bipolar plates made of graphite composite material (Eisenhuth) and membrane electrode assemblies manufactured in South Africa - HyPlat (Pty) Ltd. A short 10-cell stack is validated using FuelCon Evaluator stack test station and custom designed stack control system integrated with complete balance of plant components. The stack maximum current and power densities are 1.2 Acm^?2 at 0.5 V and 0.6 Wcm^?2, respectively. Performed current hold (300 h) and open circuit voltage (60 h) durability tests resulted in degradation rates of 0.64 mVh^?1 and 3.83 mVh^?1, respectively.