Experimental analysis of water management in a self-humidifying polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 138; no. 1; pp. 137 - 144
• Main Authors: Eckl, R., Zehtner, W., Leu, C., Wagner, U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.11.2004; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Dehydration; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Flooding; Fuel cells; Polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack; Water management; Water management; Dehydration; Flooding; Polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack; Stoichiometry; Polymer electrolytes; Secondary cell; Humidification; Performance; Fuel cell; Low temperature; Operating conditions
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2004.06.042

The performance of a commercial 300 W el self-humidifying polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stack was investigated by studying polarization curves under different operating conditions (temperature, stoichiometry). It could be demonstrated that internal humidification has a major impact on stack performance. Especially when the stack was operated in the low power range at elevated temperatures, dehydration was a serious problem. By applying extreme operating conditions, complete MEA drying-out as well as flooding could be observed. Knowledge of the underlying physical and chemical interrelationships is fundamental for the optimum application and control of polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks in energy systems.