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Eight Key Components of a Fuel Cell System
Release time:
2025-09-12
The eight major components of a fuel cell system include the catalyst, diffusion layer, proton exchange membrane, membrane electrode assembly (MEA), bipolar plates, fuel cell stack, and the air compressor and hydrogen recirculation pump used in vehicle applications.
1.Fuel Cell Stack
The fuel cell stack is the core of the fuel cell power generation system, consisting of multiple single cells stacked in series. Bipolar plates and MEAs are alternately layered, with sealing components inserted between each cell, and the entire assembly is compressed and secured with bolts between front and rear end plates to form the fuel cell stack.
2.Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA)
As the "heart" of the fuel cell stack, the MEA largely determines the stack's performance. Structurally, it consists of three fundamental components: the proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst, and gas diffusion layer (GDL). The MEA serves as the sole site for multiple mass transport processes and electrochemical reactions, determining the stack's performance, lifespan, and cost. High-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective MEAs are crucial for accelerating the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells. Currently, MEAs account for about 60-70% of the stack's cost, primarily due to the expenses associated with the PEM, catalyst, and GDL.
3.Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
The proton exchange membrane (PEM) is a semi-permeable ionomer membrane capable of conducting protons. Its primary functions include conducting hydrogen ions, isolating fuel from oxidant, and blocking electron transport. The PEM's performance determines the fuel cell's efficiency, stability, and durability. It must possess six essential properties: proton conductivity, stability, gas permeability, water absorption, water-electroosmosis balance, and mechanical strength.
4.Bipolar Plates
Bipolar plates serve to conduct electrons, distribute reactant gases, and remove produced water. As a critical component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), bipolar plates account for approximately 80% of the stack's weight, 38% of its cost, and nearly all of its volume. Therefore, material selection for bipolar plates is closely related to the electrochemical performance of PEMFCs, with common materials including graphite, metals, and polymer composites.
5.Catalyst
The catalyst is a key component of PEM fuel cells, consisting of an anode catalyst (hydrogen oxidation reaction, HOR) and a cathode catalyst (oxygen reduction reaction, ORR). The HOR involves a two-electron transfer process, while the ORR involves a more complex four-electron transfer process, which limits the overall reaction rate. An effective catalyst should exhibit high catalytic activity, proton conductivity, electron conductivity, water management capability, and gas diffusion efficiency.
6.Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL)/Carbon Paper
The gas diffusion layer, located between the flow field and the catalyst layer, serves as a structural support for the catalyst layer and a current collector. It also provides multiple pathways for gas, protons, electrons, and water, playing a vital role in the fuel cell's durability and reliability.
7.Air Compressor
The air compressor supplies compressed air to the fuel cell system. Its performance directly impacts critical system parameters such as compression ratio, efficiency, and noise levels.
8.Hydrogen Recirculation Pump
The hydrogen recirculation pump recirculates unreacted hydrogen from the fuel cell stack outlet back to the inlet, improving hydrogen utilization efficiency and safety. It also recirculates water produced by electrochemical reactions to the hydrogen inlet, humidifying the incoming gas, optimizing internal water management, and enhancing the stack's output performance.
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