Design, fabrication and performance test of a planar array module-type micro fuel cell stack

We proposed and tested a new and novel planar array module (4 N style; N is an integer) consisting of 4, 8, 12 and 16 single polymer electrotype membrane (PEM) fuel cells connected in series on a plane with two different pin electrode flowfield configurations. This module has the potential to be not only easily handled and assembled but also to be fabricated quickly upon its commercialization. Using a Lithography Galvanic Abformung (LIGA)-like microfabrication technique, copper metal sheets were used to make two different flowfield plates with serpentine flow channels. A 4-cell (short stack), 8-cell, 12-cell and 16-cell (long stack) stack were developed and tested for performance study under different operating conditions. These were connected in a series of micro fuel cells consisting of an anode/cathode and Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). Performance results for a short stack/unit module (4 cells), 8 cells, 12 cells and a long stack/four modules (16 cells) were presented; it was found that significant improvements in VI/PI characteristics could be attained due to uniform and compact configuration design and geometry.