Influence of cross-flow within the gas diffusion layer on transmembrane water transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cell

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0487

Abstract

Abstract:

The pressure difference between adjacent channels in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) induces cross-flow within the gas diffusion layer (GDL), which enhances mass transport, improves liquid water removal, and supports reactant supply. To investigate the effect of cross-flow on reactant distribution and transmembrane water transport, this study developed a three-dimensional two-phase model that incorporates cross-flow dynamics with water transport processes. The model was validated through single-cell testing using a purpose-built experimental setup. The analysis focused on cross-flow pathways and their impact on water transmembrane transport. Results indicate that cross-flow drives gas entry into the GDL from the high-pressure channel corners, directs it toward adjacent low-pressure channels, and exits at the subsequent channel corners. Cross-flow velocity increases with the pressure difference between neighboring channels, with the cathode exhibiting higher cross-flow velocities due to greater pressure drops compared to the anode. The highest cathode cross-flow velocity (0.13 m/s) was recorded near the channel outlet, whereas the anode's peak velocity (0.05 m/s) occurred near the channel inlet. Cross-flow enhances the electro-osmotic drag water flux at channel corners and aids in removing water accumulated beneath the ribs, thereby affecting the concentration-driven transmembrane water flux. Airflow at the inlet reduces membrane water content, while elevated concentration gradients at the outlet increase membrane water content in that region.

Key words: PEMFC, gas diffusion layer, cross-flow, transmembrane water flux

CLC Number:

TM 911

Xinyuan FAN, Yongfeng LIU, Pucheng PEI, Lu ZHANG. Influence of cross-flow within the gas diffusion layer on transmembrane water transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cell[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2024, 13(11): 3772-3783.

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参数	数值	单位
质子交换膜厚度	0.19	mm
催化层厚度	0.01	mm
通道数	5	条
GDL厚度	0.32	mm
流道宽度	1.2	mm
流道厚度	0.8	mm
脊宽度	0.8	mm
GDL孔隙率	0.3
质子交换膜有效面积	25	cm²
阳极催化层铂分布	0.1	mg/cm²
阴极催化层铂分布	0.4	mg/cm²
化学计量比	1/2.1
阳极入口相对湿度	0.50
阴极入口相对湿度	0.75
工作温度	333.15	K
氢氧化交换电流密度	1×10³	A/m²
氧还原交换电流密度	6×10^-5	A/m²
平行GDL方向电导率	5000	S/m
垂直GDL方向电导率	200	S/m
GDL气体渗透性	6×10^-13	m²
阳极传递系数	1

电极	区域	p₁/Pa	p₂/Pa	Δp/Pa
阴极	①	558.4	451.5	106.9
	②	428.9	285.4	143.5
	③	382.2	221.0	161.2
	④	194.4	17.1	177.3

阳极	⑤	133.6	85.8	47.8
	⑥	92.7	51.2	41.5
	⑦	73.8	34.2	39.6
	⑧	37.2	0.1	37.1

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