Numerical optimization of evaporative cooling in artificial gas diffusion layers

The utilization of evaporative cooling in the gas diffusion layers (GDLs) fuel cells or electrolyzers can effectively dissipate heat produced by high power density operation, thus leading to economically more competitive electrochemical cells. highly porous GDLs offer a large surface area, allowing cope with larger fluxes and evaporation rates. understanding best GDL structure cell operating conditions for optimized is difficult determine, given complexity multi-physical processes involved. A direct pore-level numerical modeling framework was developed analyze mass transport phenomena occurring within integrated cooling. three-dimensional model that solves Navier-Stokes equations, species energy conservation equations domain, stagnant fluid phase solid phase. Evaporation at liquid-vapor interface modeled using kinetic theory. geometry approximated an artificial lattice so as enable analysis effect systematic change on characteristics. parametric study indicated increasing GDL’s porosity from 0.8 0.9 temperature 60 °C 80 led increase rate 19.9% 197%, respectively. Changing thermophysical properties carrier (air hydrogen) enhanced rate, therefore GDL, factor 2.7. decrease amount vapor water-gas impacted positively GDL.