Effects of Microstructure of Gas Diffusion Layer on Two-Phase Flow Transport Properties

Two-phase flow transport properties inside the gas diffusion layer of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells is investigated by direct numerical simulation. This work presents the effects of the microscopic structure such as basic frame of carbon fibers, mean porosity, alignment of fibers and partial degradation of PTFEs on the distribution of liquid water and effective gas diffusivity inside the GDL.