Abstract
In a PEM fuel cell, reactant can leak or cross to the neighboring channels via the porous gas diffusion layer due to the pressure difference and short flow path. Such cross flow becomes significant for thin and long serpentine flow channels with thick gas diffusion layer. In this work, a numerical and experimental study has been carried out to investigate the cross flow in a PEM fuel cell. Experimental measurements revealed that the pressure drop in a PEM fuel cell is significantly lower than that without cross flow. Three- dimensional numerical simulation has been performed for wide ranges of flow rate, permeability and thickness of gas diffusion layer to analyze the effects of those parameters on the resultant cross flow and the pressure drop of the reactant streams. The effects of this phenomenon are also crucial for effective water removal from the porous electrode structure and must be reflected on the design and operation of PEM fuel cells.
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.
