Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Open Cathode Multi-Stack PEM Fuel Cell Systems

This paper seeks to compare multi-stack fuel cell systems of open cathode fuel cells in different configurations. Various multi-stack setups are evaluated through both simulation and experimental. The benefits of parallel, series, and cascaded setups for balancing voltage, current, and power respectively are highlighted. Also, the performance of different multi-stack configurations with degraded stacks are exploited. Cascaded configuration excels, despite higher costs. The parallel configuration’s performance should be balanced and improved using good stacks with or without a converter while adding a converter to the system is recommended. Series configuration performs well and is cost-effective, suitable for extending degraded stack life. Series-parallel configuration shows potential but with performance imbalances, solvable by using similar stacks and performance converters. Multi-stack configuration choice should match power demand and quality. Specially designed converters enhance effi-ciency and prevent degradation. Future steps involve dedicated converter design for balanced performance and hybridization, advancing open-cathode multi-stack systems.