Visualization of Water Behavior in the In-plane and Throughplane Directions in a PEFC using a Neutron Image Intensifier

Water distributions of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with 9-parallel channels during operation were visualized using a neutron radiography facility at B4 port in KUR (Kyoto University Research Reactor). An imaging system with a neutron image intensifier (I.I.) was employed for reducing the exposure time, and the water distributions in the in-plane and through-plane directions in the PEFC were alternately obtained every 20 sec. The accumulation processes from the GDL to the channels were confirmed. Water accumulated in the GDL at the cathode and evacuation into the channels started around 5 min. Water tended to accumulate at the edge of the ribs, and accumulated as water drops in the channels. The size of the water drops grew up to 1 mm which was the same size as the channel width and height, and the cell voltage was decreased because the liquid drops disturbed the air supply.