LAUSR

Abstract As an energy conversion device that converts hydrogen energy into electrical energy, the fuel cell is one of the most promising. Starvation is the main reasons that shortens the lifetime of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for vehicle usage. Therefore, combining the experimental and simulation results, as well as previous studies, based on the external characteristics of PEMFCs, the mechanism of judging the starvation in PEMFCs is explored. It provides a theoretical basis for judging the starvation using external characteristics. In addition, the starvation index is proposed to solve the problem that the starvation in the process of fuel cell loading, which could not be evaluated in the past. This factor can provide guidance for matching and controlling the fuel cell supply system, as well as optimizing the internal structural parameters of the fuel cell.