Abstract
The water contents at both the anode and cathode of PEMFCs depend on the water-transport mechanism at the membrane. The humidity at the outside layers of the membrane determines the diffusion of water through it. The operating temperatures and pressures regulate the humidity conditions in the system. Because these parameters are nonlinear, the water-transport mechanism is analyzed via the difference in the water concentration on each side of the membrane. In this work, an experimental configuration is designed to investigate the diffusion mechanism of water through the membrane. A flat membrane module is tested in an isothermal test chamber to test the influence of temperature on the water-absorption and -transport characteristics of Nafion 117 and Nafion 211 membranes. A parametric study is conducted to test the water-transport mechanism at an operating pressure of 1 bar; temperatures of 30 °C, 50 °C, 70 °C and 90 °C; and a relative humidity ranging from 10% to 100%. The results indicate that the water content of Nafion 211 is higher than that of Nafion 117. The water content and diffusion coefficient are proportional to the operating temperature. In addition, the diffusion coefficient reaches its peak at conditions of 1 bar, 100% humidity, and 90 °C for both membrane types.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
