Progress in Fuel Cell System-Level Humidification

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membranes (PEM) exhibit high proton conductivity when hydrated, but "membrane drying" can lead to increased resistivity. This, in turn, causes higher heat generation during the operation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and may even result in membrane tearing, significantly impacting their performance and lifespan. Therefore, the development and application of various humidification techniques have become a crucial area of research in fuel cell technology. This article provides a detailed exploration of the principles, advantages, disadvantages, and practical applications of system-level humidification methods, and proposes future research directions and key issues. System-level humidification involves altering the operating conditions or system processes to achieve membrane hydration, and is commonly used as an auxiliary method in mobile systems.