(146b) Understanding the impact of compression on the performance of Thin Flexible Fuel Cell (TFFC)

We are investigating a novel patented fuel cell design that we have termed a Thin Flexible Fuel Cell (TFFC). The novelty of the TFFC is that it is flat and flexible without any rigid supports and is capable of being integrated into portable electronics. The TFFC combines two cells with a single common anode and it uses porous air-breathing cathodes. The TFFC uses hydrogen and ambient air as fuel to provide high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities capable of far exceeding battery technology in energy density for compact applications.

In this study, the group investigated the impact of varying the compression forces on the active area of the TFFC. Preliminary results indicated that a small bulk compression force applied with a simple clamp resulted in a 412% increase in maximum power density from 12.8 mW/cm^2 to 65.4 mW/cm^2. In order to further study the effect of compression the group developed a custom test setup to apply and simultaneously monitor the compression force. The setup was coupled with standard characterization methods to understand the mechanism of these significant performance gains. Additionally, the group designed and fabricated 3D-printed compression plates to examine the effects of different geometries of applied compression to the active area, and to understand factors affecting the flow of ambient air to the cathode. We will report the custom compression setup and interpret our results to best explain the mechanism of these performance gains in the TFFC from compression.