A pore network study on the role of micro-porous layer in control of liquid water distribution in gas diffusion layer

作者：Wu Rui; Zhu Xun^*; Liao Qiang; Wang Hong; Ding Yu dong; Li Jun; Ye Ding ding

来源：International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2010, 35(14): 7588-7593.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijhydene.2010.04.126

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
• Gas diffusion layer
• Micro-porous layer
• Pore network model
• Two-phase flow
• Water management

In proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a hydrophobic micro-porous layer (MPL) is usually placed between catalyst layer (CL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) to reduce flooding. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that liquid water saturation in GDL is drastically decreased in the presence of MPL. However, theoretical studies based on traditional continuum two-phase flow models suggest that MPL has no effect on liquid water distribution in GDL. In the present study, a pore network model with invasion percolation algorithm is developed and used to investigate the impacts of the presence of MPL on liquid water distribution in GDL from the viewpoint at the pore level. A uniform pressure and uniform flux boundary conditions are considered for liquid water entering the porous layer in PEMFC. The simulation results reveal that liquid water saturation in GDL is reduced in the presence of MPL, but the reduction depends on the condition of liquid water entering the porous layer in PEMFC.

• 出版日期2010-7
• 单位重庆大学