CFD simulation of water droplet adhesion on the GDL of a low temperature PEM FC in air cross-flow conditions

Abstract Water management is a critical challenge in low temperature (LT) Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM FC); condensed liquid appears mainly at the cathode side, where water from reduction reaction generated. Differences concentration may result transfer of to anode side across membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Excessive can negatively affect fuel cell performance, causing efficiency and instability. This occurs due movement through porous layers channels that are essential pathways for reactant gas reach MEA. However, necessary PEM FC enhancing ion conductivity membrane. The present study contribute optimization LT FCs by analysing behaviour under flow conditions. widely used Volume Of Fluid (VOF) method adopted simulating multiphase flow. CFD simulation droplet adhesion on diffusion layer (GDL) performed describe interaction between Deformation oscillations droplets with diameters 0.3-1.0 mm range investigated considering airflow rates up 15.0 m/s. analysis validated optical data digital imaging high spatial (up 5.8 μm/pixel) temporal 1.0 ms) resolution.