M.M Barzegari - PhD, Fuel Cell Technology Research Laboratory, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Fereydoonkenar, Islamic Republicof Iran
E Alizadeh - Associate Professor, Fuel Cell Technology Research Laboratory, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Fereydoonkenar,Islamic Republic of Iran
M Khorshidian - Researcher, Fuel Cell Technology Research Laboratory, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Fereydoonkenar, IslamicRepublic of Iran
S.H.M Saadat - Researcher, Fuel Cell Technology Research Laboratory, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Fereydoonkenar, IslamicRepublic of Iran

Clamping mechanism is one of the most important parts of the Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuelcells. Importance of clamping mechanism is because of the contact pressure distribution over the gas diffusion layers(GDLs). The aim of this paper is to study the contact pressure distribution over the active area of PEM fuel cell usingFUJIFILM pressure distribution mapping system. The experimental setup is proposed to investigate the contactpressure distribution of membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The contact pressure distribution over the active area ofthe PEM fuel cell is obtained using super low pressure (LLW) measurement films. There is a relationship between thecolor density of the pressure measurement films and the pressure level. Pressure distribution mapping system scans thepressure measurement film and converts this into pressure values.

Clamping mechanism, Pressure measurement film, Pressure distribution mapping system, PEM fuel cell, Active area