Effect of water distributions on performances of JARI standard PEFC by using neutron radiography

In order to clarify the effects of water on performances of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), measurements of water distribution in a Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI) standard PEFC were carried out by means of neutron radiography. Furthermore, the cell voltage and the pressure drop between inlet and outlet of the air were simultaneously measured. The effects of channel geometry, i.e. single-serpentine and three-serpentine, and relative humidity of air were investigated. The experimental conditions were current density of 200 mA/cm2, hydrogen utilization of 9.5% and oxygen utilization of 40%. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) area was 5×5 cm2. The pictures were taken every 15 s with an exposure time of 12 s. The spatial resolution was 108 μm. From the measurements, the relation between cell voltage, pressure drop and movement of the water plug in the channel was confirmed. The PEFC performances were recovered as the water plug evacuated. Condensed water in the channel decreased with the relative humidity of air. However, it may affect the MEA permanence. Therefore, the most appropriate operating conditions should be decided for taking into account both the cell performances and the permanencies.