Evaluating the power capabilities of a hydrogen fuel cell

The hydrogen fuel cell has become a very important dc source that has many applications including transportation, power stations, and space missions. The voltage per cell is limited, however, the current density per surface area is very large. So, very high power can be produced from a fuel cell with a low voltage. This thesis describes testing done on a solid polymer proton exchange membrane fuel cell that produces 1 volt maximum per cell with 300A test maximum load. The focus of this report deals with evaluating the power capabilities and characteristics of the 4 cell stack using a test stand. In this effort, it is possible to understand the implications of implementing a one hundred, and ten cells stack into an automobile.