Visualization of liquid water transport in a PEFC

X. G. Yang*, F. Y. Zhang, A. L. Lubawy, C. Y. Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

437 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Using an optical H2/air polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), the mechanics of liquid water transport, starting from droplet emergence on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) surface, droplet growth and departure, to the two-phase flow in gas channels, is characterized under automotive conditions of 0.82 A/cm2, 70°C, and 2 atm. It is observed that water droplets emerge from the GDL surface under oversaturation of water vapor in the gas phase, appear only at preferential locations, and can grow to a size comparable to the channel dimension under the influence of surface adhesion. Liquid film formation on more hydrophilic channel walls and channel clogging are also revealed and analyzed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)A408-A411
JournalElectrochemical and Solid-State Letters
Volume7
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

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