Probing effects of GDL microstructure on liquid water transport by pore network modeling

P. K. Sinha, C. Y. Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

A pore-network model is developed to study the liquid water movement and flooding of gas diffusion layer (GDL) with GDL morphology taken into account. We have computed capillary pressure and relative permeability as function of liquid water saturation. The dynamics of liquid water transport and evolution of the saturation profile in GDL under realistic fuel cell operating conditions is examined for the first time. It is found that capillary forces control the liquid water movement in the GDL and liquid water moves in connected clusters with finger-shaped liquid water fronts. Relative permeability of liquid water is found to be very small at high saturation due to poor connectivity among liquid water clusters. The effect of mixed wettability (contact angle varying from 60°-120°) on capillary pressure and relative permeability functions is also investigated. copyright The Electrochemical Society.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages387-396
Number of pages10
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)1566775019
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting - Cancun, Mexico
Duration: Oct 29 2006Nov 3 2006

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1
Volume3
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

OtherProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 6 - 210th Electrochemical Society Meeting
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityCancun
Period10/29/0611/3/06

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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