サーペンタインハイブリッド形流路を有するPEFCに関する研究（第４報 両極無加湿運転における発電特性）

Abstract

The development of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) without external humidification is one of the most important issues to increase total efficiency and reduce cost. In the present study, we have developed hybrid pattern gas channels consisting of interdigitated and serpentine gas flow channels for PEFCs. The effects of gas flow channels at the anode and cathode on PEFC performance without external humidification were investigated. The PEFC performance was significantly deteriorated when a conventional triple serpentine channel was used at both the anode and cathode. However, when using the serpentine hybrid flow channel in the cathode, the performance was improved because of preventing the water from exhausting from the cathode. Moreover, the gas which flowed through the low pressure serpentine flow channel in the serpentine hybrid flow channel possibly promoted spreading water vapor over the whole active area. The triple serpentine flow channel in the anode was indicated to enhance spreading the water to whole of active area. Accordingly, IR overpotential was decreased and thereby PEFC performance was enhanced.