The performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is significantly affected by liquid water generated at the cathode catalyst layer (CCL). Conversely, the ionic conductivity of PEM is directly proportional to its water content; it must have sufficient water. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a delicate water balance, which seems difficult without properly understanding liquid water transport from the CCL. In the present study, a one-dimensional analytical solution of liquid water transport across the CCL is derived from the fundamental transport equations. The effect of CCL wettability on liquid water transport and the effect of liquid water “flooding” on reactant transport have been investigated. It has been observed that hydrophilic characteristic of a CCL plays significant role on the liquid water transport. The liquid water saturation in a hydrophilic CCL can be reduced by increasing the surface wettability or lowering contact angle. Based on a dimensionless time constants analysis, it has been shown that liquid water production from the phase change process is negligible compared to water production from the electrochemical process.
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ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
June 8–10, 2009
Newport Beach, California, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Advanced Energy Systems Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4881-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Modeling of Liquid Water Transport in Cathode Catalyst Layer of PEM Fuel Cells Available to Purchase
Prodip K. Das,
Prodip K. Das
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Xianguo Li,
Xianguo Li
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Zhong-Sheng Liu
Zhong-Sheng Liu
National Research Council, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
Prodip K. Das
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Xianguo Li
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Zhong-Sheng Liu
National Research Council, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Paper No:
FuelCell2009-85189, pp. 491-500; 10 pages
Published Online:
February 17, 2010
Citation
Das, PK, Li, X, & Liu, Z. "Modeling of Liquid Water Transport in Cathode Catalyst Layer of PEM Fuel Cells." Proceedings of the ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. ASME 2009 7th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. Newport Beach, California, USA. June 8–10, 2009. pp. 491-500. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FuelCell2009-85189
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