Temperature distribution on anodic surface of membrane electrode assembly in proton exchange membrane fuel cell with interdigitated flow bed

Abstract

Temperature distribution on the surface of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) significantly influences the performance, lifetime, and reliability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Entire temperature fields on the surface of an MEA anode side under an interdigitated flow field are experimentally measured at non-humidification conditions with a self-designed PEMFC and infrared imaging technology. The highest temperature on the surface of the MEA anode side appears in the bottom bordered two side channels, and the lowest temperature exists in the area closed to the inlet of the middle channel. The hot region on the surface of the MEA anode side is easy to locate in the infrared temperature image. The reason for the temperature distribution under the interdigitated flow field is analyzed. The temperature of the MEA, the non-uniformity of temperature distribution on the surface of the MEA anode side, and the fuel cell temperature increase with the loaded current density.