Influence of Cell Components Structure on Heat and Mass Transfer Phenomena in Single-Cell PEFC

The purpose of this study is to point out the dominant factor of heat and mass distribution in single-cell polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The numerical simulation by simple 3D model to clarify the influence of cell components structure on heat and mass transfer phenomena as well as power generation experiment and measurement of in-plane temperature distribution by thermograph was carried out. From the simulation, the gas channel pitch of separator was the key factor to unify in-plane distribution of temperature and gas concentration on reaction surface in cell. The compression of gas diffusion layer (GDL) by cell binding caused wider distribution of mass concentration in GDL. From the experiment, the power generation performance was promoted with decreasing gas channel pitch. The temperature range in observation area was reduced with decreasing gas channel pitch. It can be concluded that the power generation performance is promoted by decreasing gas channel pitch.