A systematic review for structure optimization and clamping load design of large proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack

Abstract Great progress has been made on the research of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in the past 20 years, especially in the key materials and components such as proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalytic layer (CL), gas diffusion layer (GDL), membrane electrode assembly (MEA), bipolar plate (BPP), endplate (EP) etc. There are a lot of studies on those materials and structures as well as several literature reviews on their chemical and physical properties. However, structure design of PEMFC stack is a key technology as it connects lab-based study with large-scale industrial applications. There is so far no systematic review on the structure design, manufacture, optimization, clamping theory and technology of large PEMFC stacks. In this article, a systematic review is presented for the progresses made in structure optimization and manufacturing technologies of EPs and BPPs, mechanical properties of structure materials, including PEM, GDL and MEA, optimization design of clamping load, anti-vibration and reliability designs of large PEMFC stacks. Finally, discussions, challenges and prospects are made on the materials and structure designs of large PEMFC stacks. It is expected that this review can provide a systematic comprehension and direction for the structure optimization of high performance PEMFC stacks.