Numerical simulation of particulate matter interaction with the gas diffusion layer of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells under various relative humidity conditions

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operation and performance degrade when particulate matter (PM) present in the reactant gas stream is collected in the porous structure of the gas diffusion layers (GDL). Interaction of PM carried by the gas stream and their capture efficiency by fibrous structure of GDLs is numerically investigated at various levels of relative humidity (RH) and different particle sizes. For small particles (sub-micron sizes), the Brownian diffusion mechanism is dominant, while transitioning to interception and inertial impaction mechanisms occur as particle size increases (micron sizes or larger). It is found that high humidity levels result in higher diameter and lower density of PM, lower air density, and lower particle bounce due to the absorption of water vapor in the PM. Of these four effects, the first is the most important and the third is the least important. As humidity level is increased, particle capture efficiency decreases for small particles, but increases for large particles. The present study implies that a filter capable of removing large particles must be installed in the upstream reactant gas supply line to avoid the accumulation/clogging of PM in GDL structure.

Automated summary

This study investigates the interaction of particulate matter (PM) in the gas stream and their capture efficiency by fibrous structure of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) at different levels of relative humidity (RH) and particle sizes. It is found that high humidity levels result in higher diameter and lower density of PM, leading to lower air density and particle bounce. The increase in humidity level decreases capture efficiency for small particles but increases it for large particles, highlighting the importance of installing a filter for removing large particles in the reactant gas supply line to prevent PM accumulation in GDL structure.