Humidity, Pressure, and Temperature Measurements in an Interdigitated-Flow PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cell

In situ measurements of humidity, temperature, and pressure are demonstrated for a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell of interdigitated gas flow channel layout. Sensors are embedded at the flowfield edges, sampling air, and hydrogen at several positions along the flow channels. The measurements provide, for the first time, real-time localized data for this configuration of fuel cell. The results show that, for the interdigitated flowfield, moisture freely permeates through the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This is in contrast to lower net moisture transmission through the same MEA used in a serpentine flowfield.