Experimental study on performance degradation of PEMFC single cells in maritime operating environment

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are being studied as power sources for ships, but their durability under marine load fluctuations remains insufficiently evaluated. This study develops a dynamic load cycle using metocean data from a container ship on a Busan–Los Angeles route. The cycle has a 70% mean load, a 10 s period, and amplitudes of 10% and 20%. Dynamic tests are conducted for 500 h and compared with steady-state operation. Degradation rates are calculated from polarization-curve voltage losses. The 10% amplitude case shows a rate similar to steady-state operation, with a difference of 3.23%, whereas the 20% amplitude case shows a 57.0% higher rate. SEM-EDS analysis shows a lower relative Pt content and suggests greater Pt redistribution within the MEA under the 20% amplitude condition. These results indicate that the amplitude of load fluctuations associated with the marine environment is an important factor in evaluating PEMFC degradation for maritime applications.