NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

In-Situ Investigation of Water Transport in an Operating PEM Fuel Cell Using Neutron Radiography: Part 1 - Experimental Method and Serpentine Flow Field Results

Published

Author(s)

T Trabold, Jon P. Owejan, David L. Jacobson, P R. Huffman

Abstract

Effective management of liquid water produced in the cathodic reaction of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is essential to achieve high cell efficiency. Few experimental methods are available for in-situ measurements of water transport within an operating cell. However, neutron radiography is an useful tool to interrogate for water within a cell constructed of many common materials, including metals. The application of neutron radiography to measurements of water content within the flow field channels of an operating 50 cm2 PEM fuel cell is described. Details of the specialized experimental apparatus, image processing procedure and quantitative analysis are provided. It is demonstrated that water tended to accumulate in the 180 bends of the serpentine anode and cathode flow fields used in this study. Moreover, the effects of both the current density and cathode stoichiometric ratio on the quantity of accumulated water are discussed.
Citation
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer
Pub Type
Journals

Keywords

fuel cell, neutron radiography, PEM, two-phase flow, water management

Citation

Trabold, T. , Owejan, J. , Jacobson, D. and Huffman, P. (2021), In-Situ Investigation of Water Transport in an Operating PEM Fuel Cell Using Neutron Radiography: Part 1 - Experimental Method and Serpentine Flow Field Results, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created October 12, 2021
Was this page helpful?