Analysis of the effects of the gas diffusion layer properties on the effectiveness of baffled flow channels in improving proton exchange membrane fuel cells performance. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amani, Bahar; Zanj, Amir
• Is Part Of: International communications in heat and mass transfer. Volume 140(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: PEMFC performance -- Baffled channel -- Diffusion resistance -- GDL properties; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Heat -- Transmission; Mass transfer; Periodicals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2022.106558
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-1933

Abstract

Abstract: Blocking cathode flow channels is employed to improve the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Since diffusion resistance toward the catalyst layer plays a key role in this scenario, this work studies the impacts of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) characteristics, including thickness, porosity, permeability, and tortuosity, on the efficacy of baffled channels in enhancing the performance of PEMFCs. A Finite Volume-based code was developed to achieve this objective. Mirroring Immersed Boundary method is utilized to introduce baffles of various shapes and heights into the flow channels. The results indicate increasing the GDL thickness and tortuosity while decreasing its porosity and permeability improves the performance of the baffled channels. For instance, the effectiveness of a baffled channel with a GDL thickness of 0.0004 (m) is 0.304% versus 0.198% in the case of 0.0002 (m). In brief, when diffusion resistance is high, baffled channels are more effective. Highlights: GDL features alter benefits of baffled channels in improving PEMFCs performance. Increasing GDL thickness and tortuosity increases the effectiveness of the baffles. Reducing GDL porosity and permeability increases the effectiveness of the baffles. Diffusion resistances of the GDL determines if baffled channels are recommended.