Neutron Imaging of Isothermal Sub-Zero Degree Celsius Cold-Starts of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC)

Abstract

Cold-starts of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), isothermally maintained at various subfreezing temperatures, were visualized by dynamic in-plane neutron imaging. The results obtained strongly suggest that super-cooled water is present in the system and that its sudden freezing is the initiator of the final voltage drop occurring at the and of the cold-start.