The influence of electromagnetic field on the performance and operation of a PEM fuel cell stack subjected to a relatively low electromagnetic field intensity

Fuel cell technology is a promising alternative energy source which can provide cleaner environment and can satisfy part of the required energy demand. The objective of the present work is to investigate the influence of relatively low electromagnetic field (16 and 26 mT) on the operation and performance of a PEM fuel cell stack composite of multiple fuel cells. An electromagnetic coil was designed to enclose the fuel cell in the center of a ring. The magnetic field lines will surround the whole fuel cell stack. In this case the flow direction and the arrangement do not imply a certain direction relative to the fuel or air flow. Accordingly, the effect will extend to cover both cathodes and anodes. The results showed that electricity production of PEM fuel cells could be substantially promoted by applying magnetic fields even at relatively low magnetic strength. The fuel cell stack showed an enhancement in its efficiency by about 10% when exposed to the magnetic force. It was found also that the magnitude of the magnetic intensity has greater impact relative to the magnetic field direction which did not affect the stack performance.