Segmented cell approach for studying uniformity of current distribution in polymer electrolyte fuel cell operation

In this study, the current distribution of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) with a large active area is investigated using a segmented cell system. A specially designed printed circuit board (PCB)-type segmented cell is applied to a single-cell PEMFC. By using the segmented system, the effects of clamping pressure uniformity between the components of the PEMFC and the fuel injection direction are examined. The pressure uniformities of the two different types of endplates are measured using pressure indicating films (PIFs). A curved endplate is used to improve the pressure uniformity. The pressure uniformity is found to significantly influence the current distribution in a PEMFC with a large active area. Two types of gas feeding modes, parallel and cross injection, are tested. The results show that the clamping pressure uniformity and gas feeding configuration affect the current distribution and overall PEMFC performance.