In-plane performance analysis of PEM electrolyzer cell under multiple operating conditions based on anode segmented visualization design

In this work, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) with visualization function and segmented anode flow field was designed and assembled, achieving real-time monitoring of the local main physicochemical parameters and two-phase flow patterns in the electrolyzer cell. Focusing on the in-plane performance analysis of the cell, experiments were carried out to explore the effects of different operating conditions and two-phase flow patterns on the performance. The water starvation under two different electrical drive modes of constant current and constant voltage was deeply investigated. The results showed that there is an uneven in-plane performance distribution of the electrolyzer cell. Temperature significantly affected the performance, while the effect of flow rate was more subtle and affected the performance by influencing the internal temperature distribution of the cell, and the degree of influence changed with different heating strategies. The effect of two-phase flow patterns on cell performance was very limited. PEMEC was very sensitive to the water supply. Water starvation led to local performance deterioration, and the segments closer to the downstream were more prone to performance deterioration first. Under different electrical driving modes, the response results of the cell to water starvation were also different. This study provides insights for further understanding the in-plane performance distribution and differences of PEMEC.