Determination of the Orthotropic Mechanical Elastic Properties of Gas Diffusion Layers for PEMFCs

Ouerghemmi, Marwa; Carral, Christophe; Mele, Patrice

doi:10.1149/1945-7111/acfc68

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 41 publications

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“…The other material properties required for the model are adapted from the work of Ouerghemmi et al 52 and presented in Table IV.…”

Section: Refmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Investigation of the Irreversible Behavior of GDL Under Cyclic Hygrothermal Loading

Mons-Quendo,

Blachot,

Poirot-Crouvezier

et al. 2024

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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Performances of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is impacted by the physical properties of the gas diffusion layer (GDL). These properties, including thickness and porosity, are irreversibly modified by diverse processes, notably by the clamping of the PEMFC or the swelling of the membrane during cell operation. This can result in irreversible deformation of the GDL, with consequent impact on the performance and durability of the PEMFCs. This phenomenon, which is difficult to apprehend experimentally, is also challenging to investigate numerically. An elastoplastic law related to the irreversible strain of the GDL after compression is proposed in this study and implemented in a finite element model. Variations in GDL’s properties during humidity and temperature cycles are studied depending on PEMFC clamping methods using numerical simulations. The influences of processing conditions, i.e. the membrane electrode assembly hot pressing process, on GDLs properties are also investigated numerically. The results demonstrate the necessity to take into account the evolution of the mechanical properties of PEMFC components, with a significant influence of clamping process, life load and hot pressing process on the physical properties of the GDL as thickness, porosity, or intrusion in the gas channels.

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“…The other material properties required for the model are adapted from the work of Ouerghemmi et al 52 and presented in Table IV.…”

Section: Refmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Investigation of the Irreversible Behavior of GDL Under Cyclic Hygrothermal Loading

Mons-Quendo,

Blachot,

Poirot-Crouvezier

et al. 2024

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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Methods to Measure the Electrical Resistances of a Gas Diffusion Layer Under Mechanical Compression

Bouziane,

Khetabi,

Lachat

et al. 2024

Fuel Cells

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In a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (FC), the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is identified as the component that is most affected by mechanical compression. In this article, a particular focus is provided on the methods to measure the three main electrical parameters—contact resistance, through‐plane resistance, and in‐plane resistance—of the GDL under compression. A nonlinear decrease of these resistances under compression is typically observed. In particular, an important decrease is observed from 0 to 2 MPa, then a lower one above 2 MPa. The smallest contact and in‐plane resistances are measured for the graphitized straight carbon papers analyzing GDL resistances under compression gives a first approach to explaining ohmic losses in FCs as a large part of these losses is related to the GDL. This review would be helpful for researchers in better understanding ohmic losses and establishing a database of main GDL electrical resistances and their variations according to several operating parameters. These data could be used in design models to optimize GDL properties.

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Mechanical Characterization of Electrolyzer Membranes and Components Under Compression

Arthurs,

Kusoglu

2024

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising technology for producing clean hydrogen by electrochemically splitting water when paired with renewable energy sources. A major roadblock to improving electrolyzer durability is the mechanical degradation of the cell components, which requires an understanding of their mechanical response under device-relevant conditions. However, there is a lack of studies on the mechanical characterization of the PEM and other components, as well as and their interactions. This study aims to address this gap by using a custom-designed testing apparatus to investigate the mechanics of electrolyzer components in uniaxial compression at 25 and 80 °C. Findings show stress-strain response of components have a varying degree of nonlinearity owing to their distinct deformation mechanisms and morphologies, from porous structures to polymers. These results are used to develop an expression for compressive stress-strain response of Nafion membranes and then analyze the deformation of components under applied pressure by using a 1-D spring network model of cell assembly. This work provides a new understanding of mechanical responses of the electrolyzer membrane and cell components, which can help assess material design and cell assembly strategies for improved electrolyzer durability.

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Determination of the Orthotropic Mechanical Elastic Properties of Gas Diffusion Layers for PEMFCs

Cited by 4 publications

References 41 publications

Numerical Investigation of the Irreversible Behavior of GDL Under Cyclic Hygrothermal Loading

Numerical Investigation of the Irreversible Behavior of GDL Under Cyclic Hygrothermal Loading

Methods to Measure the Electrical Resistances of a Gas Diffusion Layer Under Mechanical Compression

Mechanical Characterization of Electrolyzer Membranes and Components Under Compression

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