Abstract
A three-dimensional, multi-component, two-fluid model developed in the commercial CFD package CFX 13 (ANSYS inc.), is used to investigate the effect of porous media compression on transport phenomenon of a PEM Fuel cell (PEMFC). The PEMFC model only consist of the cathode channel, gas diffusion layer, micro-porous layer and catalyst layer, excluding the membrane and anode. In the porous media liquid water transport is described by the capillary pressure gradient, momentum loss via the Darcy-Forchheimer equation and mass transfer between phases by a non-equilibrium phase change model. Furthermore, the presence of irreducible liquid water is taken into account. In order to account for compression, porous media morphology variations are specified based on the GDL through-plane strain and intrusion which are stated as a function of compression. These morphology variations affect gas and liquid water transport, and hence liquid water distribution and the risk of blocking active sites. Hence, water transport is studied under GDL compression, in order to investigate the qualitative effects. Two simulation cases are compared; one with and one without compression.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Proceedings of ASME 2011 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability & 9th Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Conference : ESFuelCell2011 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Publisher | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| Publication date | 2011 |
| Pages | 839-850 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-7918-5469-3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | ASME 2011 9th Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Conference - Washington, DC, United States Duration: 7 Aug 2011 → 10 Aug 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | ASME 2011 9th Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Washington, DC |
| Period | 07/08/2011 → 10/08/2011 |