Expanding current distribution measurement in PEFCs to sub-millimeter resolution

A novel measurement principle for measuring the current distribution in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is introduced. It allows, in contrast to all other known techniques, for the first time for a resolution smaller than the channel/rib scale of the flow field in PEFCs. The current density is obtained by considering the electron conductors in the cell as a two-dimensional resistor with the voltage drop caused by the current. The method was applied to a cell operated on oxygen up to high current densities. The results show that the ohmic resistances govern the current distribution in the low current regime, whereas mass transport limitations hamper the current production under the land at high loads.