Page 148 - Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells
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Heat Transfer Phenomena 137
4.4.2.4. Integrated heat sink cooling
This method is obviously ingenious; it involves the heat sink
phenomenon as it provides efficient heat transfer from the stack by thermal
conduction through the sink, then by convection (natural or forced) to the
surrounding environment (see Figure 4.5).
Figure 4.5. Integrated heat sink cooling
4.4.2.5. Cooling by plates
This is the solution that is found most often in the PEMFC stack; these
plates are prefabricated and inserted into the stack. There are even perforated
bipolar plates designed specifically to carry coolants (air, water, etc.), in
addition to hydrogen and oxygen. For this method, a whole control system
should be considered; temperature regulation would be essential to avoid the
dehydration of the membrane or its blockage with excess water. Figure 4.6
shows a typical diagram of a plate cooling system.
Figure 4.6. Cooling by plates