Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are showing promise as an energy source, but efficiency issues block commercialization. Research is currently focused on improving components of the fuel cell, and this report concerns gas transport when the gas diffusion layer (GDL) contains water. Through-plane permeability was measured using a pure nitrogen stream in GDLs saturated with water. Pressure-based and humidification-based saturation systems were constructed to hydrate the GDL, and subsequent permeability calculations were compared against dry GDL permeability values. It was found that the presence of liquid water in the GDL harms gas transport and damages GDL structure.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bowe, Ryan C.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-033020-213319

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2020

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• ENSIC

Date created

• 2020-03-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved