|
Abstract
|
In this study, a multi-component multiphase pseudopotential Lattice Boltzmann method with multi relaxation time (MRT) collision operator is used to investigate liquid water transport in the compressed microporous layer (MPL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with interdigitated flow field. In this simulation, in order to achieve the real physical conditions of liquid water and air, such as viscosity ratio and high-density ratio, the forcing term is improved. Effect of parameters such as PTLs compression, intrusion thickness of the MPL, and operating temperature are studied. By studying four different compression levels (one without compression), when the PTL compression level is 85%, the water removal time is in the optimum state. Therefore, further increasing of compression level does not result in reduced water removal time. The simulation results indicated by rising temperature from 30 to 80 degrees The maximum level of saturated water is reduced by a factor of 5. Also, when the MPL thickness increases, the liquid water content is reduced in the PTL.
|