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Liquid Water Characteristics in the Compressed Gradient Porosity Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method

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  • Song Yan

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Mingyang Yang

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

  • Chuanyu Sun

    (School of Electrical Engineering & Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Sichuan Xu

    (School of Automotive Studies, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China)

Abstract

The mitigation of water flooding in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) at relatively high current densities is indispensable for enhancing the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this paper, a 2D multicomponent LBM model is developed to investigate the effects of porosity distribution and compression on the liquid water dynamic behaviors and distribution. The results suggest that adopting the gradient GDL structure with increasing porosity along the thickness direction significantly reduces the breakthrough time and steady–state total water saturation inside the GDL. Moreover, the positive gradient structure reaches the highest breakthrough time and water saturation at 10% compression ratio (CR) when the GDL is compressed, and the corresponding values decrease with further increase of the CR. Considering the breakthrough time, total water saturation and water distribution at the entrance of the GDL at the same time, the gradient structure with continuously increasing porosity can perform better water management capacity at 30% CR. This paper is useful for understanding the two–phase process in a gradient GDL structure and provides guidance for future design and manufacturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Song Yan & Mingyang Yang & Chuanyu Sun & Sichuan Xu, 2023. "Liquid Water Characteristics in the Compressed Gradient Porosity Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:16:p:6010-:d:1218709
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    3. Gozde Ustuner & Yue Hung & Devinder Mahajan, 2024. "Investigation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance by Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Reaction Parameters via Power Curve and Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-14, May.
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    6. Pedro Andrade & Khaled Laadjal & Adérito Neto Alcaso & Antonio J. Marques Cardoso, 2024. "A Comprehensive Review on Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis in Fuel Cell Systems: Challenges and Issues," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-45, January.
    7. Pandu Ranga Tirumalasetti & Fang-Bor Weng & Mangaliso Menzi Dlamini & Chia-Hung Chen, 2024. "Numerical Simulation of Double Layered Wire Mesh Integration on the Cathode for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-15, January.
    8. Xuan Meng & Jian Mei & Xingwang Tang & Jinhai Jiang & Chuanyu Sun & Kai Song, 2024. "The Degradation Prediction of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance Based on a Transformer Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-13, June.
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    13. Tingke Fang & Coleman Vairin & Annette von Jouanne & Emmanuel Agamloh & Alex Yokochi, 2024. "Review of Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, April.
    14. Nestor F. Guerrero-Rodríguez & Daniel A. De La Rosa-Leonardo & Ricardo Tapia-Marte & Francisco A. Ramírez-Rivera & Juan Faxas-Guzmán & Alexis B. Rey-Boué & Enrique Reyes-Archundia, 2024. "An Overview of the Efficiency and Long-Term Viability of Powered Hydrogen Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-29, June.
    15. Teng Teng & Xin Zhang & Qicheng Xue & Baodi Zhang, 2024. "Research of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Modeling on Concentration Polarization under Variable-Temperature Operating Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-17, February.
    16. Ireneusz Pielecha & Filip Szwajca & Kinga Skobiej, 2023. "Load Capacity of Nickel–Metal Hydride Battery and Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells in the Fuel-Cell-Hybrid-Electric-Vehicle Powertrain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-14, November.

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