Experimental study on the effect of reactant flow arrangements on the current distribution in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Current distribution in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is significantly influenced by reactant flow configurations. In this study, the current distribution has been measured experimentally using a segmented flow-field plate and printed circuit board (PCB). Local current distributions for a PEMFC with serpentine flow field and three different flow arrangements including co-flow, cross-flow, and counter-flow arrangements for the anode and cathode streams are investigated along with the effect of flow channel orientation. It is shown that the counter-flow arrangement yields most uniform distribution for the current density, whereas the co-flow arrangement results in a considerable variation in the current density from the reactant gas stream inlet to exit. Flow channel orientation can also impact the cell performance and the current distribution appreciably. The limiting hydrogen concentration at the anode side due to the low stoichiometry condition can have a predominant effect on the current distribution and cell performance.