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The Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) is a porous part of the fuel cell and electrolysers that influences the mass transfer in the devices, which has led to a number of studies on its flow properties, including permeability, by different authors. This study conducted single-phase and two-phase flow simulations for four commercially available GDLs utilizing the OpenFOAM computational framework, which employs the finite volume. These simulations allowed for the determination of both the in-plane and through-plane absolute permeability, as well as the relative permeability. Simulations reveal that the permeability of the GDL is influenced by various factors such as porosity, rib compression, fibre size, and pore size distribution. However, the permeability at a given moment in the GDL is determined by a combination of all these properties, including fibre density and alignment. For instance, despite the Sigracet SGL 25 BA having a lower porosity than Toray TGP-H 60 and being more susceptible to rib compression, its permeability values are higher than Toray TGP-H 60. This can be ascribed to additional characteristics such as its greater pore size, larger fibre size, and lower fibre density. Hence affirming the multifaceted interplay of these parameters in determining the overall transport characteristics within the GDL. The results of our findings enable informed decisions when choosing a specific GDL based on our operational goals or the other components within the electrochemical device, such as the type of flow channel or the presence of MPL.
| References | Aquah, G.EE., Niblett, D., Shokri, J. et al. Characterisation of hydraulic properties of commercial gas diffusion layers: Toray, SGL, MGL, woven carbon cloth. Sci Rep 14, 18812 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68681-4 |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
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