Multicomponent transport in porous electrodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells using the interdigitated gas distributors
- Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (United States). Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Hydrodynamics of gases in the cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that is contacted to an interdigitated gas distributor are investigated using a steady-state multicomponent transport model. The model describes the two-dimensional flow patterns and the distributions of the gaseous species in the porous electrode and predicts the current density generated t the electrode and membrane interface as a function of various operating conditions and design parameters. Results from the model show that, with the forced flow-through condition created by the interdigitated gas distributor design, the diffusion layer is greatly reduced. However, even with a much thinner diffusion layer, diffusion still plays a significant role in the transport of oxygen to he reaction surface. The results also show that the average current density generated at an air cathode increases with higher gas flow-through rates, thinner electrodes, and narrower shoulder widths between the inlet and outlet channels of the interdigitated gas distributor.
- OSTI ID:
- 321128
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 146; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Fuel cell with interdigitated porous flow-field
HYDROGEN ELECTROLYZER FLOW DISTRIBUTOR MODEL