Numerical Simulation of PEMFC Performance Considering Striped Wettability Distribution of GDL

Abstract

A three-dimensional numerical model, which includes gas channels, gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with different wettability, catalyst layers in both the cathode and anode side, and a polymer electrolyte membrane, has been developed to investigate the water transport and power generating characteristics of a Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In addition, the effectiveness of the hybrid GDL to reduce the liquid water saturation under flooding conditions was investigated by using our comprehensive model and was compared with the experimental results. The numerical liquid water distributions at the two different wettability regions in GDL were examined. The distribution of liquid water was more towards the hydrophilic regions due to the drawing of water from the hydrophobic regions. Furthermore, the performance of the PEMFC was improved by the combination of the hybrid GDL and the gas channels with micro-grooves. The efficiency of the PEMFC is discussed quantitatively in this paper.