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Modelling and analysis on effects of penetration of microporous layer into gas diffusion layer in PEM fuel cells: Focusing on mass transport

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  • Zhang, Xiaoqing
  • Yang, Jiapei
  • Ma, Xiao
  • Zhuge, Weilin
  • Shuai, Shijin

Abstract

The penetration of microporous layers (MPL) into gas diffusion layers (GDL) is a common phenomenon in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However, research on this phenomenon is few and its influence law and mechanism need to be further investigated. In this study, a three-dimensional, multiphase and non-isothermal fuel cell model is established to investigate the effects of penetration ratio, total thickness of GDL and transition region (TR) and operating pressure on fuel cells’ mass transport and performance. The results show that, under high output voltage, performance increases as the increase of penetration ratio. Under low output voltage, 15% penetration ratio achieves the best fuel cell performance. In addition, 15% penetration ratio attains the lowest average membrane electrode assembly ohmic resistance, GDL and TR thicknesses and operating pressures. The existence of TR changes the liquid distribution; saturation decreases from the GDL side to the MPL side. Moreover, the penetration affects the membrane water content, and its distribution becomes more non-uniform as penetration ratio increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xiaoqing & Yang, Jiapei & Ma, Xiao & Zhuge, Weilin & Shuai, Shijin, 2022. "Modelling and analysis on effects of penetration of microporous layer into gas diffusion layer in PEM fuel cells: Focusing on mass transport," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:254:y:2022:i:pa:s0360544222010064
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124103
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