Differences in structure and property of carbon paper and carbon cloth diffusion media and their impact on proton exchange membrane fuel cell flow field design

Radhakrishnan, V.; Haridoss, Prathap

doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2010.07.009

Cited by 42 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The non-isotropic nature of the mass transport characteristics and their strong dependency from the compression was already observed by Hussaini and Wang [6]. Under compression the GDL structure is morphed under the ribs and material is intruded into the channels [7]. This effect is 43-125 % higher for carbon cloth than for carbon paper.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 73%

3D analysis, modeling and simulation of transport processes in compressed fibrous microstructures, using the Lattice Boltzmann method

Froning

Brinkmann

Reimer

et al. 2013

Electrochimica Acta

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In this paper we combine a stochastic 3D microstructure model of a fiber based gas diffusion layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cells with a Lattice Boltzmann model for fluid transport. We focus on a simple approach of compressing the planar oriented virtual geometry of paper-type gas diffusion layer from Toray. Material parameters -permeability and tortuosity -are calculated from simulation of one phase, one component gas flow in stochastic geometries. We analyze the statistical spread of simulation results on ensembles of the virtual geometry, both uncompressed and compressed. The influence of the compression is discussed with regard to the Kozeny-Carman equation. The effective transport properties calculated from transport simulations in compressed gas diffusion layers agree well with a trend based on the Kozeny-Carman equation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 73%

3D analysis, modeling and simulation of transport processes in compressed fibrous microstructures, using the Lattice Boltzmann method

Froning

Brinkmann

Reimer

et al. 2013

Electrochimica Acta

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“…The nature of these three regions can be understood based on arguments found in the literature. The first region has been attributed both to the flattening of the GDL surface asperities [30] and to the increased number of contacts among fibers caused by the initial closure of pores [7]; the constant region may be traced back to the intrinsic behavior of the microstructure of the porous layer; and the large strain hardening region is most likely due to the final collapse of the GDL and the resulting increase in contacts between fibers at high pore volume reductions [69]. Note that even though the PTFE content in the different GDLs reviewed in Fig.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In order to fulfill these requirements, GDLs are typically made of highly porous carbon fiber paper or cloth [6,7]. The high porosity of these materials provides to the GDL a characteristic soft and flexible structure, susceptible of large deformations when subjected to compression.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonlinear orthotropic model of the inhomogeneous assembly compression of PEM fuel cell gas diffusion layers

García-Salaberri

Vera

Zaera

2011

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

113

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Keywords:PEM fuel cells Assembly pressure Gas diffusion layers Inhomogeneous compressionNonlinear orthotropic model a b s t r a c t PEM fuel cell assembly pressure is known to cause large strains in the gas diffusion layer (GDL), which results in significant changes in its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. These changes affect the rates of mass, charge, and heat transport through the GDL, thus impacting fuel cell performance and lifetime. The appropriate modeling of the inhomogeneous GDL compression process associated with the repetitive channel rib pattern is therefore essential for a detailed description of the physical chemical processes that take place in the cell. In this context, the mechanical characterization of the GDL is of special relevance, since its microstructure based on carbon fibers has strongly nonlinear orthotropic properties. The present study describes a new finite element model which fully incorporates the nonlinear orthotropic characteristics of the GDL, thereby improving the prediction of the inhomogeneous compression effects in this key element of the cell. Among other conclusions, the numerical results show that the linear isotropic models widely reported in the literature tend to overestimate the porosity and the partial intrusion of the GDL in the channel region, and may lead to incorrect predictions in terms of interfacial contact pressure distributions.

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“…Plate topologies and materials facilitate these functions. Flow-field designs, including flow-field profiles, depths, widths and lengths, have a major impact on the overall performance of DMFC [8,41]. The plate topologies may include straight, serpentine or interdigitated flow fields, internal manifolding, internal humidification and integrated cooling.…”

Section: Bipolar Platesmentioning

confidence: 99%

An overview of unsolved deficiencies of direct methanol fuel cell technology: factors and parameters affecting its widespread use

Kumar

Dutta

Das

et al. 2014

Int. J. Energy Res.

109

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SUMMARY Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have evolved over the years as a potential candidate for application as a power source in portable electronic devices and in transportation sectors. They have certain associated advantages, including high energy and power densities, ease of fuel storage and handling, ability to be fabricated with small size, minimum emission of pollutants, low cost, ready availability of fuel and solubility of fuel in aqueous electrolytes. However, in spite of several years of active research involved in the development of DMFC technology, their chemical‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiencies are still lower compared with other alternative power sources traditionally used. This review paper will focus on the existing issues associated with DMFC technology and will also suggest on the possible developmental necessities required for this technology to realize its practical potentials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Differences in structure and property of carbon paper and carbon cloth diffusion media and their impact on proton exchange membrane fuel cell flow field design

Cited by 42 publications

References 19 publications

3D analysis, modeling and simulation of transport processes in compressed fibrous microstructures, using the Lattice Boltzmann method

3D analysis, modeling and simulation of transport processes in compressed fibrous microstructures, using the Lattice Boltzmann method

Nonlinear orthotropic model of the inhomogeneous assembly compression of PEM fuel cell gas diffusion layers

An overview of unsolved deficiencies of direct methanol fuel cell technology: factors and parameters affecting its widespread use

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