Fabian VAN DER LINDEN : "Methodology and tools for the optimization of the PEM fuel cell break-in procedure"

Abstract : The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an emission-free alternative to the internal combustion engine. Following its final assembly, a PEMFC must be “broken-in” or “activated’. This process is essential to elevate and stabilize the stack performance to a reproducible threshold value. Activating a fuel cell stack is costly (machinery and fuel related) and time-consuming. It is therefore currently not adapted for mass-production. The objective of this thesis is to provide solutions to reduce the duration and cost of the fuel cell break-in process. The PEMFC activation phase is a relatively novel research topic. Therefore, an in-depth state-of-the-art has firstly been carried out to gather a deeper understanding of the break-in physical principles, and the associated activation methods. Activating a cell mainly consists of hydrating the polymer, desorbing impurities from the catalyst surface, and opening pores within the catalyst layer. From this knowledge, two numerical tools have been developed. One is an analytical model which simulates the ionomer activation procedure, to replace costly
experimental applications. The other is a break-in diagnosis tool, to monitor the “state-of-activation” of the fuel cell. Armed with these numerical tools and the state-of-the-art research, optimized break-in procedures have been proposed and tested on various large surface stacks. Each of these protocols is designed to be optimized along one or more of the following criteria: break-in kinetics, reactant cost, and fuel cell durability. The flagship protocol of this thesis, – a combination of cathode starvations and reverse flow operation – is considered as the best compromise between all criteria. Compared to conventional protocols, it strongly reduces the break-in time and reactant cost whilst conserving stack durability and improving its morphology.

Jury Composition:

1. M. David BOUQUAIN Professeur des universités Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté PhD Director
   Mme Elodie PAHON Maître de conférences Université de technologie de Belfort Montbéliard (UTBM) PhD co-director
   Mme Sophie DIDIERJEAN Professeure des universités Université de Lorraine Reporter
2. M. Marian CHATENET Professeur des universités INP Grenoble Reporter
   M. Pascal VENET Professeur des universités IUT Lyon 1 Reviewer
   Mme Katie MCCAY Docteure SINTEF Industry Reviewer
   M. Simon MORANDO Docteur Symbio  PhD Co-director
   M. Christophe VACQUIER Ingénieur Symbio Reviewer

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