During operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), electro-chemical reactions generate water, which exists as a liquid because of the PEFMC’s low operating temperature. The water remains in the PEFMC after it is turned off. During the winter this water can freeze; associated increase in its volume deforms the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The deformed GDL reduces the cell’s power output and durability. In this investigation, X-ray microscopy was used demonstrate that water freezing changed the geometry of GDL by water freezing.
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Copyright © 2010
by ASME
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