A novel polymer electrolyte fuel cell flow-field: The through-plane array

Flow-field plates are essential components for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), the most common types incorporating parallel or serpentine channels. A novel flow-field, the 'through-plane array' (TPA), is presented which provides significantly improved performance at higher current density with the advantage of lower backpressure. The concept modifies a conventional flow-field operating in dead-ended mode and incorporates an array of holes (<10 mu m dia.) in the land areas that allows gas exit. In this case, the cathode is the focus, as this electrode suffers from the greatest reactant access and water flooding challenges. By forcing gas to enter the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in order to exit, the reactant is exposed to areas under the land and removal of product water is enhanced.