Analysis of dead-end anode operation phenomena based on a novel transient 3D model of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The dead-end anode (DEA) mode effectively improves hydrogen utilization rate of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC). However, being in DEA mode for a long time can lead to hydrogen starvation in HT-PEMFC and reduce its performance. This study aims to reduce the adverse effects of DEA on HTPEMFC by setting up appropriate operating conditions. A novel transient model of HT-PEMFC was successfully developed by considering gas crossover phenomena. The paper evaluates the effects of key operating parameters, geometric parameters, and gas crossover phenomena on the transient performance of HT-PEMFC in DEA mode. The results show that the performance deterioration over time during the DEA process varies under different operating conditions. The amount of hydrogen and oxygen crossover decrease significantly with the increase of membrane thickness. In DEA mode, the performance of HT-PEMFC decreases with increasing of water vapor transport coefficient; when the anode is open, the comprehensive performance of medium water vapor transport coefficient is the best. This work can provide a suitable working condition scheme to reduce the adverse effects of DEA on HT-PEMFC.