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Current and Temperature Distributions in a PEM Fuel Cell

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Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells require improvements in membrane electrode assembly durability in order to allow for widespread commercialization. Current density and temperature distributions were analyzed at different current and gas flow settings to better understand membrane degradation. Data were collected in 12x12 arrays after the system reached steady state and were analyzed using 2D pcolor plots. The results showed that current distribution was most even at a current density setting of 0.90 A/cm^2 and excess gas flow slightly increases the evenness of the current distribution. In addition current density was less evenly distributed after aging and the type of gas diffusion layer had an effect on current distribution. Additional testing is recommended to verify these results.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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  • E-project-031717-165558
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  • 2017
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  • 2017-03-17
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  • Nancy
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