Modeling Effects of Two-Phase Transport in Cathode Gas Flow Channel on PEM Fuel Cell Performance

The objective of this study is to make an attempt at developing a sub-model that can account for the presence of liquid water in the cathode channel and couple it with other key phenomena occurring in a PEM fuel cell, including those in the anode side. The two-phase sub-model in cathode gas flow channels is based on the two-phase mixture formula. Numerical results from case studies are presented in comparison with those predicted by the single-phase channel flow sub-model. Our preliminary results indicate that liquid water accumulates along the flow channels and builds up quickly once it emerges. For the operating conditions and cell geometry chosen for the case study present in the present work, our results show that the liquid water in the channel only slightly affects the fuel cell performance. More extensive case studies are needed.