Single PEM fuel cell analysis for the evaluation of current ripple effects

In this paper, the results of an experimental analysis performed on a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (FC) for the evaluation of the current ripple effects are reported. The polarization curve (PC) and the impedance spectrum measured for a single FC with a Nafion membrane are presented discussing some advantages and disadvantages of the two adopted techniques from the measurement point of view. The ohmic and activation resistance values provided by the PC are compared to the frequency limits of the equivalent resistance estimated by the spectroscopic analysis to evaluate the additional losses and the system efficiency reduction introduced by the current ripple. The presence of a voltage–current hysteretic behavior is discussed throughout the paper, and some comments on how such a relationship can impact on the identification of the indicated parameters are included.