Experimental dynamic load cycling and current density measurements of different inlet/outlet configurations of a parallel-serpentine PEMFC

Abstract

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in the transport sector require specific design and durability, and stable and reliable performance under varying cycling loads. In this study, experimental dynamic load cycling (DLC) tests and current density mapping (CDM) measurements of local current densities and temperatures were performed for different inlet/outlet configurations of reactants in a parallel-serpentine PEMFC. Results were analyzed in terms of the polarization and power curves and the DLC tests, indicating that the Inverse Hydrogen Flow configuration performed best. However, the differences with respect to the other inlet/outlet configurations (Normal Flow, Inverse Air Flow and Inverse Flow) were not significant with maximum relative voltage and power densities differences below 5% in the polarization and power curves. Also results of the experimented inlet/outlet configurations during the DLCs were similar, with maximum differences in terms of energy during the cycle below 10% comparing the best configuration (Inverse Hydrogen Flow) with the worst. CDM measurements showed an inverse bell-shaped distribution with higher current density values in the external part of the bipolar plate and lower values in the central part and a highly homogeneous temperature distributions in all configurations.