Effect of the Inlet Gas Humidification on PEMFC Behavior and Current Density Distribution

Abstract

Water management represents one of the main challenges in the design and operation of PEMFCs. The influence of inlet gas humidification on cell performance is analyzed using in-situ diagnostic tools, such as cyclic voltammetry and segmented cell current density measurements, supported by post-mortem ex-situ investigations. Particular attention is paid to the effect of low humidity conditions in both cathode and anode, under which the cell is observed to suffer severe voltage decline. A simple onedimensional water balance model is proposed to contribute to the understanding of the various operation regimes observed in PEMFCs under medium-to-low humidification conditions.