Segmentation of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with sub-millimeter resolution in the land-channel direction

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

The interaction between the flow channels and gas diffusion layer affects the water management and the thermal management. Consequently, the land-channel geometry in a typical PEFC influences the uniformity of current generation in the land-channel direction. Therefore it becomes important to assess the current density distribution along the land-channel direction. This work is focused on developing a segmented PEFC to measure the current density in the land and the channel areas at sub-millimeter resolution. Design criteria pertaining to the segmented PEFC are explained in detail. By paying attention to those criteria, a new design and fabrication method to develop a segmented PEFC to measure current density at sub-millimeter resolution are proposed. Ex-situ experiments are conducted to validate the design, and insitu tests are performed to obtain the current density distribution under the land and the channel areas in dry and wet condition. © The Electrochemical Society.

Publication Title

ECS Transactions

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