Imaging and Modeling of Passive Water Management in a Miniature Fuel Cell
Authors: Chintam Kavitha , Gerhardt Michael R. , Baker Andrew M. , Richard Derek , Wilson Mahlon S. , Flesner James Raymond , Rockward Tommy , Hussey Daniel S , LaManna Jacob M , Jacobson David L , Rau Jon , Weber Adam Z. , Borup Rod L. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Fuel cells have potential for small power applications that require long periods, as much as several decades, of uninterrupted power. Small microwatt fuel cell stacks of varying membrane thickness were designed to allow for passive water management. The passive water management system was incorporated into the stack design by use of exposed Nafion membrane for lateral water transport. 1 An experimental and theoretical study of water management across the operating temperature range was conduction, including operando neutron imaging and the development of a multiphysics two-dimensional model. Stack testing was done between -55 °C to 85 °C using a baseline output current of 10 µA and periodic pulses of 4.5 mA lasting 100 ms, every 100 s, or an average current of 16 µA.

The stack spatial water concentration was monitored during various operating conditions through in situ neutron imaging. Figure 1 shows the main points of interest on the stack. Operating temperatures ranged from -55 °C to 85 °C to analyze water formation and subsequent water removal. Freezing and below-freezing temperatures were controlled by use of a liquid nitrogen cooled series of insulated boxes to prevent external water condensation during imaging. These measurements suggest successful water transport laterally, enabling operation from the sub-freezing environment to temperatures near the boiling point of water. Figure 2a depicts a constant operation for two hours at 16 µA and -20 ºC and the subsequent drying process in Figure 2b.

Water production due to gas crossover in the stacks was quantified at below-freezing temperatures. At temperatures at and below -20 °C, the water production due to gas crossover was greater than the amount of water removal via the passive water management strategy with the current turned off, rather than a drying of the cell as expected. With the gases turned off as well, drying occurs. This indicates that the cell design must allow for water (ice) build-up during operation at these sub-freezing temperatures for successful operation. To avoid large amounts of hydrogen loss due to membrane crossover, we employ multiple layers of membrane to make a thick, mechanically reinforced and chemically stabilized membrane.

A two-dimensional multiphysics model for evaluation of water management was also developed to further describe and explore the passive water management system under different conditions. The fundamental model in its present form shows a similar shape but indicates faster water build-up than experimental data. This discrepancy is currently being resolved to allow for a more accurate representation.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

References:

Chintam, M. S. Wilson, T. Rockward, S. Stariha, A. M. Baker, E. L. Brosha, D. S. Hussey, J. M. LaManna, D. L. Jacobson, J. Rau, R. L. Borup, ECS Transactions 86 (13), 233-244.

Figure 1