Real-time Measurement of the Water Concentration in the Exhaust Gases of a PEFC for Water Transport Analysis

Abstract

Water management is essential for high performance operation of PEFCs (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells). In this study, a single cell of PEFC was operated for 180 seconds with various current densities, and at the same time, the water vapor concentrations in the anode and the cathode exhaust gases were measured in high accuracy. The water transport, concentration distribution, and the formation of liquid phase water in the cell were estimated based on the experimental data. The effects of gas flow rate, current density and humidity temperatures of the inlet gases on the behaviors of the water were also investigated. The cell current at which the condensation of the water in the cell begins was determined by extrapolating the water concentration change in the exhaust gases.