Numerical Simulation of Cold Start Process for Fuel Cells in Polar Low-temperature Environments

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) powered by hydrogen exhibit significant application potential in polar integrated energy power generation systems. However, the harsh environmental conditions prevalent in polar regions, including low temperatures(~213.15 K), reduced atmospheric pressure(0.55-0.95 atm), and low oxygen concentrations(20.4%-20.95%), present substantial challenges to the reliable operation of PEMFCs. To address this, a transient one-dimensional full-cell cold start model considering the internal heat and mass transfer and electrochemical reaction process of PEMFC is proposed. Based on the model verification, an in-depth analysis is conducted on the variation laws of output voltage, the formation and distribution of internal ice and water, and temperature during the cold start process of PEMFC under different environmental temperatures and air pressures in Antarctic research station areas. Simulation results indicate that lower cold-start temperatures accelerate voltage decay and ice formation under a ramp-constant current density profile. At extremely low temperatures(<243.15 K), ohmic polarization loss replaces concentration polarization loss as the primary cause of voltage decline. Furthermore, the activation polarization loss under low temperature and low pressure will further shorten the operational survival time of PEMFC in cold-start processes. The computational model and simulation results provide further research foundations for PEMFCs’ application in polar power systems, supporting their application in research stations and remote monitoring stations.