Oxygen starvation analysis during air feeding faults in PEMFC

A new analysis of performance degradation during oxygen starvation of PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) is proposed in this paper. Oxygen starvation happens for several reasons like compressor delay, fault during peak power demand or water management issues. The consequences on fuel cell performance degradation are not still well understood. This paper proposes a complete study with experimental tests and modeling. Impacts on performance were investigated under oxygen starvation and effects on the local conditions in the MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) were measured and modeled. In particular, current density measurements during oxygen starvation have been made with a specific bi-cell stack. Voltage oscillations were also found. Durability test have been realized on a PEMFC stack. Samples from the degraded MEA were analyzed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Degradation mechanisms are proposed and the local conditions during oxygen starvation are identified.