Measurement of Leak Current Generation Distribution in PEFC and Its Application to Load Fluctuation Testing Under Low Humidification

摘要

A study was performed to establish a method for measuring the position and amount of leak current increase during operation of a fuel cell. This measurement method was applied to load fluctuation testing at low humidification and the increase in the leak current was observed in the downstream zone of the cell. The tested cell was disassembled and cross sections were observed under the SEM. The SEM images revealed the formation of a Pt band near the cathode catalyst in the downstream zone of the cell. This may be the cause of the degradation of the membrane at the downstream.