Numerical investigations of vapor condensation and water transport in gas diffusion layers of PEMFC

Water transport in vapor/liquid form gas diffusion layers (GDL) of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are numerically investigated this study. A stochastic method is employed to reconstruct the 3D structured GDL, then a validated phase change solver developed and implemented OpenFOAM platform simulate vapor condensation process. Comprehensive simulations carried out analyze GDL porosity distribution, compressed deformation, mass flow rate, local temperature contact angle effects on dynamics. Two with gradient porosities one TGP-H-060 type reconstructed compare vapor/liquid-water behaviors. It found that spatial distribution condensate water comparatively different from liquid patterns. reveals was much more sensitive design, while it applicable form. Due compression, impeded, especially middle large velocity separations detected during transport. Meanwhile, results parametric analysis indicate provides options avoiding flooding. This study significant deepen our understanding process dynamics which can further guide design optimization.