Lifetime prediction for proton exchange membrane fuel cell under real driving cycles based on platinum particle dissolve model

Despite the great progress of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) vehicle, the durability and cost of PEMFC still remain challenges. In this paper, a lifetime prediction model of PEMFC is developed by considering the platinum (Pt) electrochemical surface area (ECSA) degradation caused by steady power and transient power. The direct and continuous relationship between lifetime and real driving cycles is built by the proposed model. Firstly, the steady ECSA degradation model is deduced, and both the chemical and electrochemical dissolution of Pt particles are considered in the catalyst layer. The ECSA loss rate for steady power condition can be calculated by this model. Secondly, transient ECSA loss formula is obtained by fitting experimental data of PEMFC. This transient ECSA loss formula is used to calculate the ECSA loss rate under power changes condition. Thirdly, by applying the power voltage relationship, for a given power, the voltage can be calculated and applied to the two ECSA degradation models. Finally, the lifetime prediction method of PEMFC is proposed, and it is verified by PEMFC under three different driving cycles. Experimental test results show that the proposed lifetime prediction model accurately predict the lifetime of PEMFC under different driving cycles. The proposed method in this paper is more accurate compared with the method which divides the degradation into 4 conditions. •The steady power platinum ECSA degradation model is developed.•The transient power ECSA empirical formula is given by fitting PEMFC data.•Proposed model can continuously and directly calculate lifetime of PEMFC.•The lifetime prediction method is verified by PEMFC under real driving cycles.•The proposed method can be used to PEMFC under different driving cycles.