Mechanism analysis of the effect of different gas manifold positions on proton exchange membrane fuel cell cold start performance

The balanced distribution of water and heat inside the cell during the startup step is the key to the successful cold start of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The cold start experiments prove that due to the influence on the internal water and heat distribution, different gas manifold positions have a significant effect on cold start performance. When cold start is at -10 degrees C, the generated water in the cathode side mostly exists in the form of supercooled water. This allows all -10 degrees C cases successfully reach the temperature above the freezing point. When the H-2 and air inlet manifolds are arranged on the different side, sudden current rise occurs at the beginning of the startup step. When cold start is at -15 degrees C, the generated water freezes quickly, which causes the performance degradation in local areas. Two cases with the same side H-2 and air inlet manifolds show the better cold start performance at -15 degrees C. Combining all the results, during cold start, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell gas manifold position that the H-2 and air inlets at the bottom and outlets at the top is recommended.