Effects of gas permeation on the sealing performance of PEMFC stacks. (22nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Qiang; Zhao, Jinghui; Chen, Yanqin; Liu, Shaoquan; Wang, Zixi
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 73(2021)
• Page Start: 36424
• Page End: 36435
• Publication Date: 2021-10-22
• Subjects: Fuel cell stack -- Gasket -- Sealing -- Permeation -- Interfacial leak; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.08.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The sealing performance of gaskets is critical to the safety of PEMFC stacks. Leak through the interface between gasket and BPP or MEA frame has been widely investigated, while gas permeation through gaskets is ignored in most studies. In this work, helium mass spectrometry leak measurement and finite element calculation were used to investigate the leaking and sealing mechanisms. It shows that interfacial leak and gas permeation of gaskets could be distinguished by their difference in terms of steady-state flow rate and stabilization process. Gas permeation is the main leak path of gaskets. The permeation flow rate is non-negligible for the safety of fuel cell stacks and needs to be considered when designing gaskets. Highlights: Permeation rate is considerable for the safety of stacks. Permeation rate could be higher than interfacial leak under common pressure. Interfacial leak and permeation are distinguished by stabilization process. Leakage of PEMFCs was measured using helium mass spectrometry leak detection.