Forced convection cooling, stack

Figure 8-11. Stack cooling model for forced convection cooling (heat sink front side open only for visibility)...

It can be concluded that both variants of cooling via forced convection in separate channels are well suited as an active thermal management concept for HT-PEMFC stacks. In the whole operating range the produced heat can be removed by means of this active cooling... 

The typical stack construction for PEM (and other) fuel cells is a series-connection of cells with bipolar plates interposed between adjacent cells (or membrane-electrode assemblies). The bipolar plate must provide for electronic conduction from one cell to the next isolation of fuel on one side from oxidant (air) on the other side and distribution of fuel and air reactants to the respective adjacent anode and cathode. In an edge-cooled stack of the type described above, the bipolar plate also contributes to heat rejection by conducting heat laterally to its tinned edges, where forced-air convection is employed. 

Dry vault storage may also be used. The fuel elements are stacked horizontally or vertically in concrete pipes which allows cooling of the fuel elements by air convection (forced or natural). 

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