Fuel cell system for Honda CLARITY fuel cell

Honda started to lease the world’s first fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in December 2002 and has since continuously provided FCVs with advanced technologies. In March 2016, Honda leased the CLARITY FCV with a high-performance and durable downsized fuel cell system realized by optimizing the structure of the fuel cell stack, controlling water distribution in the catalyst-coated membrane, and extending the fuel cell lifetime. As a result, the fuel cell system, voltage control unit, and motor unit are integrated into one fuel cell powertrain system. This highly integrated design allowed the CLARITY FCV to become the world’s first production five-seater fuel cell sedan to install the entire fuel cell powertrain system under the front hood. Thus, this study aimed to develop novel measurement methods that will allow the simulation of different parameters of FCV. Particularly, the following key findings are introduced: prediction model for the performance degradation of the catalyst layer, effects of atmospheric impurities on performance degradation, chemical degradation of electrolyte membrane, and water content optimization for catalyst coated membrane. •Simulation model of performance degradation in catalyst layer.•Effects of atmospheric impurities on performance degradation.•Chemical degradation of electrolyte membrane.•Water content optimization for catalyst coated membrane.