Fuel cells are envisioned as a next generation power source to supply clean power for a variety of applications. Currently, water management remains a challenge for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particular at low temperatures or during power transients. Water formed during oxygen reduction impacts the fuel cell in many ways. In this study, the cathode flow fields are examined using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). High resolution images are gathered, illustrating the effects of fuel cell flow field geometry and surface energy on water distribution. It is also found that irregularities in the surface of the flow channel can contribution to water stagnation inside the fuel cell, even at significant gas flow rates which would be expected to expel any water build up.
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