Low stoichiometry operation of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell employing the interdigitated flow field design

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Fuel cell operation on dry reactant gases under low stoichiometry conditions employing the interdigitated flow field is investigated using a multi-fluid model. It is assumed that the MEA contains a water uptake layer which facilitates water absorption to the membrane and hence prevents the anode gas phase from drying out. It is shown that the membrane humidity increases with decreasing stoichiometric flow ratios to values of λ ≈ 7. Operating the cathode side at a stoichiometric flow ratio of 1.2 appears feasible under steady state conditions, while our simulations suggest that the anode stoichiometry may even be as low as 1.05. The effect of operation pressure and temperature on the membrane water content is studied. Finally, experiments are suggested to determine the kinetic absorption coefficient and the specific surface area of the electrolyte inside the catalyst layers.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftE C S Transactions
Udgivelsesdatookt 2011
Vol/bind41
Tidsskriftsnummer1
Sider1897-1908
Antal sider12
ISSN1938-5862
DOI
StatusUdgivet

ID: 56400120