Design of a quick couping fixture for fuel cell performance evaluation

• Main Author: Low, Ee Ter.
• Other Authors: Chan Siew Hwa
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Alternative, renewable energy sources
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/45334
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an emergent technology that promises clean and efficient transportation of energy. Researchers are currently developing and evaluating different types of membranes as well as flow field designs that will unravel the full potential of this technology. Current fuel cell fixtures in use at the laboratory are a hassle in assembling and disassembling, requiring tools such as torque wrench to tighten or loosen the bolts to clamp the fuel cell assembly to the fixture. To aid the performance evaluation of fuel cells characterization in the laboratory, a quick release coupling fixture is proposed with added functions such as adjustment of clamping pressure, monitoring of fuel cell operating temperature and direct application of heat so that optimal operating temperature and clamping pressure can be evaluated through the application of the fixture.