Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has become the preferential choice of a new generation of energy and power for its high energy conversion rate and environment-friendly. Through analysis about the important influence of temperature on the operating performance of PEMFC

the importance of effective thermal management for fuel cell is proved. The current research status of PEMFC thermal management are induced and summaried according to the classification of active cooling and passive cooling. The material selection and the method of heat transfer enhancement is introduced in detail for the fuel cell thermal management system using phase change materials. And this paper forecasts the research direction of this field in the future.