Performance evaluation of air breathing PEMFC under Saudi Arabia’s ambient conditions using three-dimensional FEM model

In 2016, Saudi Arabia has announced a new vision for year 2030, and set an initial target of 9.5GW to be generated from renewable energy sources [1]. Air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack is seen as a promising candidate as an alternative source of energy to conventional combustion engines in stationary and automotive applications. This type of PEMFC uses ambient air as the oxidant and hydrogen as the fuel generating electricity. The performance of air-breathing PEMFC is highly affected by the operating ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity. In this paper, the performance of an air breathing PEMFC is evaluated under Riyadh’s city ambient conditions throughout the year, to help policy-makers in considering deploying this technology in the new public transportation project in the city, which is due to complete in 2019. Thermal and water management is obtained though validated 3-dimensional model. Furthermore, the effect of anode humidification on the dynamics of the PEMFC is analysed.