Page 59 - Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells

48 Introduction to Transfer Phenomena in PEM Fuel Cells
In a PEMFC cell, components are subject to chemical or mechanical
aging, the main causes of which are:
– degradation of the membrane under the effect of temperature;
– loss of catalytic activity;
– heterogeneity of the materials used;
– moisture of the membrane not perfectly controlled.

1.3.4. The fuel cell and its technical system entourage technique

The proper functioning of the PEMFC requires different ancillary
systems such as supply, humidification, cooling, control and regulation. The
overall system (battery core and auxiliaries) is called “fuel cell system”; it is
presented in Figure 1.22 [BLU 07, RAM 05].

Figure 1.22. The control and monitoring systems of a PEM