IGDL/GFC

Interaction between the Gas DiffusionLayer and the Gas Flow Channel of polymer electrolyte fuel cell

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Reaching high and stable efficiency with a Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) during unsteady load operations is a delicate task because the transport of product water by the electrochemical reaction has to be precisely managed. Two fuel cell components and their mutual interaction play a key role in the water management: the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL), the support of the electrode, and the Gas Flow Channel (GFC) on the cathode side ensuring gas distribution over the electrode active area. The present proposal focuses on fundamental experiments to gain further insights into multi-phase flows (gas /liquid) in porous media (GDL) and channels (GFC). A model fuel cell will be specially designed and built to allow the separate study of water transport in GDL/GFC without being dependent on electrochemical reactions. Flow visualisation studies of basic and innovative flow fields and GDL under thermally controlled conditions and a large variety of flow conditions will be undertaken. Most promising GDL/GFC arrangements will be finally tested in real electrochemical environment. Our aim is to contribute to the conception of new geometrical designs of GFC with corresponding GDL and to find the operational conditions minimizing energy consumption. The fellowship will be the starting point of a strong collaboration between LTN-Polytech’Nantes (France) and CNR-ITAE (Italy) where the final objectives are to design and build a high efficiency stack. This stack will be used in the power train of a fuel cell powered prototype car running a world energetic car race, the Shell Eco Marathon. The fellowship will be an opportunity for the fellow to acquire competences on fuel cell electrochemistry and stack design in a leading European research centre on fuel cell involved in the Joint Initiative Technology “Fuel Cells and Hydrogen” starting in 2008. Expected results will contribute to Europe competitiveness in the energy domain through this program.'

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Fuel cells are very efficient, as they convert chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen into electricity by producing water and discharging heat. The cells can be arranged in series and parallel circuits in a design known as a fuel cell stack in order to increase their efficiency. European scientists recently joined forces to develop a highly efficient Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) stack.

The 'Interaction between the gas diffusionlayer and the gas flow channel of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (IGDL/GFC) project investigated fuel cells and hydrogen technologies to develop integrated systems for hydrogen and energy production. The EU-funded project designed and built a high-efficiency stack for use in the power train of a fuel cell-powered prototype car. The vehicle will be entered into the Shell Eco marathon, an annual race in which cars aim to achieve the greatest possible fuel efficiency.

PEFCs are best for low-power applications and transportation, but further research is required to improve durability and operational stability. Researchers focused on the transport of water inside the PEFC, which can become flooded if the water is not correctly removed.

However, the right amount of humidity inside the cell is crucial for hydrating the polymer electrolyte. Two components of the fuel cell and the way they interact with one another are crucial to water management in the device. The Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) supports the electrode and the Gas Flow Channel (GFC), which ensures the distribution of gas over the electrodes active area.

A model cell was created by project partners to investigate the flow of water in the GDL and GFC under carefully controlled thermal and flow conditions. The results were used to conduct a deeper analysis of the large number of ways a real fuel cell can become flooded. The findings from the IGDL/GFC project have the potential to contribute new designs and help determine operating conditions for minimising energy consumption.

The project enabled researchers to gain valuable experience in fuel cell electrochemistry and stack design, as well as contribute to European competitiveness in the development of clean forms of energy.