A three-dimensional model is used to predict the power output and internal temperature distribution of a small proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack. Of particular interest is the influence of nonuniform stack compression on thermal conditions inside the fuel cell. A dimensionless membrane isothermality is correlated with a dimensionless compressive load distribution, suggesting that similar relationships may be developed for other fuel cell geometries. Fuel cell performance, in terms of minimizing temperature variations inside the device, can be enhanced by application of nonuniform stack compression.
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