The hydrogen polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell provides enormous potential for a clean energy infrastructure. However, due to cost and inefficiency barriers, PEM fuel cells have not yet reached widespread commercial adoption. Mass transport limitations such as liquid water flooding and high oxygen diffusion resistance to the catalyst sites still lead to inefficiencies. If these issues become resolved, smaller and more reliable fuel cells could be produced at a lower cost. We aim to accurately model the PEM fuel cell gas diffusion layer (GDL) in order to provide a predictive modeling tool with material characterization inputs and visualization validations for designing the next generation of PEM fuel cell GDLs for enhanced performance. This talk will include the details of the three-part approach to improving the performance of PEM fuel cells: volumetric data for simulated materials, in situ visualizations, and the development of a predictive model for designing new GDLs.

GDL modeling and validation for improved PEM fuel cell performance

245th National Meeting (2013)

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