Using Current Distribution Measurements to Characterize the Behavior of HTPEMFCs

Abstract

Current distribution is a very interesting technique for the characterization of fuel cells because it gives very valuable information about the performance of the cell and it could help to optimize its efficiency. In this work, this technique is used in combination with CFD modelling and a post-mortem physicochemical analysis to assess the performance of a high-temperature PBI-based fuel cell (HTPEMFC) with anelectrode area of 50 cm2. Experimental measurements were analysed with a CFD model, which enabledthe estimation of the characteristic local parameters of the fuel cell. The post-mortem analysis demonstrated that the combination of current distribution measurements and modelling can be an effective tool to evaluate PEM fuel cell performance.