Operation of a planar free-breathing PEMFC in a dead-end mode

Operation of a planar free-breathing PEMFC with pressurized anode was studied by constant current and polarization curve measurements. The anode outlet was equipped with a purge valve, whose duty cycle was varied. The results indicate that the cell is able to operate with 0.1 and 0.25 barg hydrogen pressures, with both dry and humid hydrogen. There were no significant differences in cell performance at different purge valve duty cycles. When the purge valve was completely closed signs of flooding were observed. Anode side flooding was reduced at higher hydrogen overpressure due to increased hydraulic permeation of water through the membrane.