Effect of channel-rib width ratio and relative humidity on performance of a single serpentine PEMFC based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

The geometry configuration of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) which is considered as a promising energy conversion device has great influence on PEMFC performance. In this paper, effect of channel-to-rib width ratio and relative humidity of reactant gas on the performance are compared based on two single PEMFCs. The EIS testing results below 50 A are given and analyzed. The results obtained from polarization curves, power density curves and EIS fitting results prove that: 1. Compared with cell 3:4, the anode high humidification has a greater addition to the performance of cell 1:1; 2. PEMFCs with different geometry configurations of flow field have their own suitable working condition ranges; 3. The charge transfer resistance is the dominating factor when current loading is below 2.0 A cm−2. • The performance of two single PEMFCs was evaluated and compared. • EIS fitting results are analyzed with equivalent circuit. • Geometric configuration plays different role under different loading amplitudes. • Charge transfer resistance dominates performance when loading is under 2 A cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]