Critical review of the latest advances in thermal management techniques for PEM fuel cells

The use of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) to convert the chemical energy of green hydrogen into electricity appears to be a promising solution in many applications, particularly in the fields of electric mobility (e-mobility), industry, and building facilities. Although they can achieve electrical efficiencies of up to 60 %, the sensitivity of PEMFCs to operating temperature makes the implementation of effective thermal management strategies essential. This review focuses on recent advances in thermal management technologies for PEMFCs. An in-depth analysis of recent publications is presented, including detailed descriptions and critical comparisons of various techniques. The main evaluation criteria include complexity, efficiency, scope of application, and compatibility depending on the specific uses of PEMFCs. First, in order to better understand the thermal challenges in a PEMFC, thermal phenomena, thermophysical properties, thermal modeling approaches, and the impact of temperature on durability are discussed. Then, before focusing on thermal management techniques, the coupling between thermal management and water management is addressed. This review contributes to a better understanding of the challenges related to PEMFC thermal management and establishes a solid foundation for future research. The conclusions drawn offer specific recommendations to improve the efficiency, reliability, and relevance of PEMFC thermal management systems, particularly in the fields of electric mobility and building applications.