SAE J2617 Performance Test Procedure of PEM Fuel Cell Stack Subsystem for Automotive application

This recommended practice is intended to serve as a procedure to verify the design specifications or vender claims of any PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type fuel cell stack sub-system for automotive applications. In this document, definitions, specifications, and methods for the performance characterization of the fuel cell stack sub-system are provided. The performance characterization includes evaluating electrical outputs and controlling fluid inputs and outputs based on the test boundary defined in this document. In this recommended practice, a typical fuel cell stack sub-system includes the following: - Fuel cell stack(s) - An Assembly of membrane electrode assemblies. - (MEA), current collectors, separator plates, cooling plates, manifolds, and a supporting structure. - Connections for conducting fuels, oxidants, and exhausts. - Electrical connections for the power delivered by the stack sub-system. - Devices for monitoring electrical loads, which are for interface to the fuel cell system (FCS). - Devices for monitoring cell voltage (Not all stacks are designed to read every cell voltage.) - Additional connections for conducting additional fluids, such as cooling media and inert gas. - Instrumentation for detecting normal and/or abnormal operating conditions. - Enclosures or pressure vessels, and ventilation systems. Not included in the sub-system are the following: - Fuel and air processors - Thermal management system - Power conditioner and distributor - Controllers The goal of this recommended practice is to provide a method for users to conduct fuel cell stack sub-system tests on a common basis. This allows the comparison of fuel cell stack sub-systems with different designs where no specific fuel cell system design has been identified. Alternatively, the performance of a specific fuel cell stack sub-system can be assessed in the context of a specific fuel cell system design based on the agreement of the testing parties.