Dependence between the vibration characteristics of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the stack structural feature.

The purpose of this study was to investigate dynamic characteristics of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Fuel cell mounted on a vehicle is excited by road irregularities in operation conditions. To minimize performance degradation, proper vibration isolation after considering vibration properties is required. The vibration modal characteristics of PEMFC was measured by impact test to determine a dominant mode which affects fuel cell durability. The frequency range of the principal responses was identified by comparing the acceleration and interior noise in a fuel cell vehicle. At the resonant frequencies, the mode shapes of the PEMFC were analyzed. The measurement procedures to determine effective dynamic properties of a stack structure were proposed. Structural features of the stacked cell were considered when beam type specimens were fabricated. As the bending and torsional vibrations were applied to the specimens, the vibration responses were measured. The frequency dependent dynamic properties were obtained from the acceleration responses. The measured dynamic properties were compared for different beam constructions. Consequently, influence of structural features on the vibration modes was identified.