Review on water management methods for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. (26th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, X.R.; Ma, Y.; Gao, J.; Li, T.; Jiang, G.Z.; Sun, Z.Y.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 22(2021)
• Page Start: 12206
• Page End: 12229
• Publication Date: 2021-03-26
• Subjects: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell -- Water transport simulation -- Water management -- Water fault diagnosis -- Water visualization -- Flooding; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.06.211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Control of water content of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) within a reasonable rangeis a question worthy of study. This paper addresses questions of water transport, water fault, and water management methods in a PEMFC. Both an excess (overflow) or lack (dehydration) of water in a fuel cell may affect the performance and the service life. Herein, we describe in detail the effects of water content on the cathode, anode, gas diffusion layer (GDL), catalyst layer (CL) and flow channel. Monitoring the flow and accumulation of water directly in the PEMFC is the most effective approach to determine which of the two scenarios, overflow or dehydration, occurs. The water transport can be effectively investigated in a transparent fuel cell, using neutron scanning, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray irradiation. Regarding the PEMFC water management, this paper reviews some current methods, such as improvement of the flow field structure, changing hydrophilic materials, and optimizing control systems. Highlights: Different transmission mechanisms of water in GDL, CL, membrane and flow channel. The pressure drop method and the visualization of liquid water for judging water failure. The improvement of PEMFC shape, hydrophobicity and control system for water management. Overflow and dehydration will greatly reduce the performance and life of PEMFC.