Numerical and Experimental Modal Analysis of a 400 W Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Fuel cell Technology Research laboratory, Malek Ashtar University of Technology

Abstract

With the increasing utilization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in cars, ships, and airplanes, the study of vibrational behavior of fuel cells has gained particular importance. In this paper, a modal analysis of 400-Watt 4-cells fuel cell with an active surface area of 225  has been performed numerically and experimentally. The time domain method has been used to extract global fuel cell frequencies. By interpreting the output data of the sensors and using the phase response angle, two natural frequencies of the model were extracted. The results of the test showed that the first transverse and longitudinal frequency of the model is 500 Hz and about 2500 Hz, respectively. Then, the simulation of the finite element model was studied in detail. A comparison of the frequencies obtained from the test and numerical analysis showed that the maximum difference is about 8%. Therefore, numerical analysis of the model with sufficient detail can adequately cover the vibrational properties of the real model. Also, the results showed that by changing the geometrical and mechanical properties of the membrane by 45%, the natural frequency of fuel cell changes through 4%. Furthermore, removing the membrane plates, in addition to reducing the number of model elements, reduces the contact constraints.

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References

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Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Volume 53, Issue 1
April 2021
Pages 101-116

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