Effects of rib structure and compression on liquid water transport in the gas diffusion layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Understanding the dynamic behavior of water transport in a compressed gas diffusion layer (GDL) is essential for enhancing water management strategies and designing improved gas channels in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The effects of rib structure and compression are studied using the multiphase lattice Boltzmann method. The water invasion patterns and saturation profiles determine the water behavior characteristics under different compression conditions. The results indicate that the rib structure has a critical influence on water transport in GDL and the breakthrough point. The water distribution and saturation profile results indicate that the region under the rib has a higher resistance force as the compression ratio increases. This phenomenon contributes to the appearance of the water flow path under the channel. Regarding the rib edge effect, the morphological considering of the initiate breakup of carbon fiber more dominantly affects the water distribution in a lower compression ratio.