Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2008
Publication Title
Journal of the Electrochemical Society
Abstract
The operation and accumulation of liquid water within the cell structure of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a dead-ended anode is observed using neutron imaging. The measurements are performed on a single cell with 53 cm2 active area, Nafion 111-IP membrane, and carbon cloth gas diffusion layer. Even though dry hydrogen is supplied to the anode via pressure regulation, accumulation of liquid water in the anode gas distribution channels was observed in most tested conditions. Moreover, the accumulation of liquid water in the anode channels is followed by a significant voltage drop. Anode purges and cathode surges are also used as a diagnostic tool for differentiating between anode and cathode water flooding. The rate of accumulation of liquid water, and its impact on the rate of cell voltage drop is shown for a range of temperature, current density, cathode inlet RH, and air stoichiometric conditions. Operating the fuel cell under dead-ended anode conditions offers the opportunity to observe water dynamics and measured cell voltage during large and repeatable transients.
Volume
155
Issue
11
DOI
10.1149/1.2976356
ISSN
00134651
Rights
© 2008 The Electrochemical Society.
Recommended Citation
Siegel, Jason B.; McKay, Denise A.; Stefanopoulou, Anna G.; Hussey, Daniel S.; and Jacobson, David L., "Measurement of Liquid Water Accumulation in a PEMFC with Dead-Ended Anode" (2008). Engineering: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/egr_facpubs/120
Comments
Archived as published.