Single-Cell Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for Portable Power Generator in Rural Area: Thermodynamic Approach of Temperature Dependency

Fuel cells are energy conversion devices that convert chemical energy of the fuel directly into electrical energy through electrochemical processes which enable higher efficiency and lower environmental impact. The present study is aimed at designing a fuel cell device for household applications by focusing on analysis of its thermodynamics process. Single-cell proton exchange membrane fuel cell is the smallest component which requires mandatory analysis during the design process of proton exchange membrane fuel cell power generation unit. MATLAB is used to calculate several proton exchange membrane fuel cell performances based on the governing equations. The performance analysis provides the temperature dependent during the change of current density. This temperature dependency setup results on a curve shift from single reference temperature. The designed single-proton exchange membrane fuel cell has a nominal power density of 0.37 W/cm², with nominal voltage of 0.6 V at 0.615 A/cm². This value is suitable for the main purpose, acting as a portable power generator in rural areas.