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ISSN Online: 2377-424X

ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-421-2

International Heat Transfer Conference 15
August, 10-15, 2014, Kyoto, Japan

Study on the Effect of Micro Porous Layer on Water Transport Phenomena in PEFC by Using Neutron Radiography

Get access (open in a dialog) DOI: 10.1615/IHTC15.fcl.009176
pages 2797-2807

Resumo

Water management in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is an important topic. A micro porous layer (MPL) has been recently used for improving the water flooding in the diffusion layer (GDL) around the catalyst layer. However, the mechanisms of this MPL are not completely understood. To clarify the water-accumulation phenomena obtained by the MPL, measurements of the water distribution in the through-plane directions were performed using neutron radiography. The channel had a 9-paralle-channel geometry for classifying the water-accumulation process in the GDL under the ribs and the channels. The channel width and height were both I mm, whereas the length was I0 mm. The MPL was placed in a cathode, and the results with and without the MPL were compared. The water accumulation in the GDL under the rib was greater than that under the channel at the beginning of the PEFC peration. The water thickness had the maximum value around the border between the catalyst layer and the GDL without the MPL, whereas this was found between the MPL and the GDL with the MPL. The maximum water accumulation in the GDL without the MPL was higher than that with the MPL. Water evacuation from the GDL to the channel occurred mainly around the rib corner.