Measurement of current distribution in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with various flow arrangements – A parametric study

Understanding of current distributions in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is crucial for designing cell components such as the flow field plates and the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In this study, the spatial current density distributions in a single PEMFC with three serpentine flow channels are measured using a segmented bipolar plate and printed circuit board technique. The effects of key operating conditions such as stoichiometry ratios, inlet humidity levels, cell pressure and temperature on the local current density distributions for co-, counter-, and cross-flow arrangements are examined. It is observed that the local current density distribution over the MEA is directly affected by the cell operating conditions along with the configuration of the flow arrangement. It is also found that among the different flow configurations tested under the various operating conditions, the counter flow arrangement provides the optimum average current density and the lowest variations in the local current densities along the flow channels.

► Spatial local current distributions in a single PEMFC are measured.
► Effects of key operating conditions on the local current density are investigated.
► Increasing air and hydrogen stoichiometries improves local current density distributions.
► Operating pressure and temperature have negligible impact on local current distribution.