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A measurement system for current distribution mapping for a PEFC has been developed. The segmented anode is constructed so as to have high thermal conductivity in order to prevent the formation of large temperature gradients between the electrodes. The construction is therefore feasible for use at high current densities. Both segmented and unsegmented gas diffusion layers are used. The effect of inlet humidification and gas composition at the cathode side is studied. In addition, two different flow geometries are studied. The results show that the measurement system is able to distinguish between current distribution originating from differences in proton conductivity, species concentration and gas diffusion layer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In small fuel cell applications, it is desirable to take care of the management of reactants, water and heat by passive means in order to minimize parasitic losses. A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, in which air flow on the cathode was driven by free convection, was studied by experimental and modelling methods. The cathode side of the cell had straight vertical channels with their ends open to the ambient air. A two-dimensional, isothermal and steady state model was developed for the cathode side to identify the limiting processes of mass transport. The modelled domain consists of the cathode gas channel and the gas diffusion layer. Experimental data from current distribution measurements were used to provide boundary conditions for oxygen consumption and water production. The model results indicate that at the cell temperature of 40 °C the performance of the cell was limited by water removal. At the cell temperature of 60 °C, the current distribution was determined by the partial pressure of oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and current distribution of a free-breathing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was studied experimentally in a climate chamber, in which temperature and relative humidity were controlled. The performance was studied by simulating ambient conditions in the temperature range 10 to 40 °C. The current distribution was measured with a segmented current collector. The results indicated that the operating conditions have a significant effect on the performance of the fuel cell. it was observed that a temperature gradient between the fuel cell and air is needed to achieve efficient oxygen transport to the electrode. Furthermore, varying the air humidity resulted in major changes in the mass diffusion overpotential at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass diffusion overpotential distribution in a free-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was determined from current distribution measurements using a flow pulse approach. The current distribution measurements were conducted with a segmented flow-field plate. Flow pulses were fed to the cathode channels to form a uniform oxygen concentration distribution along the channels. Simultaneously, the cell resistance was monitored using the current interruption method. From the experimental data, the mass diffusion overpotential distribution was calculated using the Tafel equation. The results show that the mass diffusion overpotential in different parts of the cell may vary considerably, for example, at 180 mA cm−2 the mass diffusion overpotential difference between the bottom and top part of the cell was 0.1 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]