Fabricating Startup and Shutdown

Mold heat/chiller control Oven Water-jet cutting 

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Some of the attractive features of PEMFC compared to the other types of fuel cells are (i) compactness and lightweight owing to the use of solid polymer electrol5de membrane (PEM) (ii) operation at relatively lower temperatures (80°C), making them suitable for operations involving frequent cycles of startups and shutdowns, and more responsive to load variations (iii) use of thin membrane resulting in lower ohmic resistance and operations at higher current and power densities and (iv) ease in fabrication of solid polymer in thinner membrane. 

Materials selection is especially important wherever critical components are used. Also important is the need for correct procedures at all stages of operation, including fabrication, transport, startup, shutdown, and normal operation. Less obvious cases of failure can arise from vibration transfer, poor surface finish, nonuniform application of surface coatings, or the plication of coatings to poorly prepared surfaces. 

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