Further refinements in the segmented cell approach to diagnosing performance in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Described is the most recent configuration of a segmented cell used to measure current distribution across the surface of an electrode in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). In this fourth generation cell design, measurement and data collection capabilities have been modified to significantly improve ease of use and quality of information obtained. The current configuration allows examination of spatial resolution of the cell current and cell voltage with respect to well-defined baseline reference measurements, as well as measurement of the high frequency resistance (HFR) distribution and spatial ac impedance spectroscopy. This specially designed cell is intended for use in studies on time and location resolved carbon monoxide poisoning, humidification and flow-field design effects on fuel cell performance.