Temperature-Controlled Flow Cell for Ion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Testing, CIEMFCTCFC

Testing an Ion-Exchange Membrane (IEM) fuel cell—whether it is a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEMFC) or Anion Exchange Membrane (AEMFC)—requires precise thermal management. A temperature-controlled flow cell ensures that the electrochemical reactions occur under isothermal conditions, preventing dehydration of the membrane or localized overheating.

The cell assembly is typically a "sandwich" structure designed to provide uniform pressure and temperature distribution across the active area. (1) End Plates: Usually made of heavy-duty aluminum or stainless steel, or titanium. These provide the structural integrity to compress the internal components and often contain the heating elements. (2) Current Collectors: Gold-plated copper plates that minimize contact resistance and transfer the generated electricity to the external circuit. (3) Bipolar/Flow Field Plates: Typically high-density graphite or treated titanium. These feature machined channels (serpentine, parallel, or interdigitated) to distribute reactant gases (H2, O2, or Air). (4) Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA): The Membrane Electrode Assembly is the heart of the cell, consisting of the ion-exchange membrane sandwiched between two Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) coated with catalyst.

Part Number	CIEMFCTCFC (C-IEMFC-TCFC)
Structure/Components	End Plate/Current Collector: SS316L or Ti Flow Channels: Serpentine (channel width: 1 mm) Electrode: MEA or ion-exchange membrane Electrode Frame: SG (0.5 mm thickness) Sealing Gasket: Silicone Tubing Connection: Barbed hose fitting (tubing I.D. 2mm, O.D 4mm)
Cell Sizes	Default photo-effective area is 2.0 cm * 2.0 cm (4.0 cm2)  Other types of active areas, such as (1.0cm * 1.0cm), (3cm * 3cm), and (5cm * 5cm) are also available upon request.   Cell size: W90×H90 mm
Flow Channels	Standard flow channel is Serpentine                Other flow channel types: such as interdigital, parallel serpentine are also available upon request.
Assembling Diagram
Heating Function (Optional)	The heating controller (≤200°C) can be integrated with the "heating" version flow cells.
Flow Pump (Optional)	The flow pump can be supplied upon request
Note	The cell components should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.

References:

1. J. J. More, et al., Temperature control of a PEM fuel cell test bench for experimental MEA assessment, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2010, 35, 5985-5990. 

2. S. Strahl, et al. Performance Improvement by Temperature Control of an Open-Cathode PEM Fuel Cell System, Fuel Cells, 2014, 14, 466-478.