The effects of gas diffusion layers structure on water transportation using X-ray computed tomography based Lattice Boltzmann method

Jinuntuya, Fontip; Whiteley, Michael; Chen, Rui; Fly, Ashley

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.12.016

Cited by 60 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Felt-type and paper-type GDL materials were compared by Banerjee et al, with X-ray CT providing information about the 3D microstructure of the various materials, and X-ray radiography shedding light on the water accumulation across the cell [123]. The effect of GDL material on water transport was investigated by Jinuntuya et al using Lattice Boltzmann methods [124]. Continuing the inspection of MEA fabrication methods, Meyer et al studied the hot pressing process for various temperatures observing considerable differences in cell structure and properties (Fig.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Developments in X-ray tomography characterization for electrochemical devices

et al. 2019

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Over the last century, X-ray imaging instruments and their accompanying tomographic reconstruction algorithms have developed considerably. With improved tomogram quality and resolution, voxel sizes down to tens of nanometres can now be achieved. Moreover, recent advancements in readily accessible lab-based X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) instruments have produced spatial resolutions comparable to specialist synchrotron facilities. Electrochemical energy conversion devices, such as fuel cells and batteries, have inherently complex electrode microstructures to achieve competitive power delivery for consideration as replacements for conventional sources. With resolution capabilities spanning tens of microns to tens of nanometres, X-ray CT has become widely employed in the three-dimensional (3D) characterisation of electrochemical materials. The ability to perform multiscale imaging has enabled characterisation from system-down to particle-level, with the ability to resolve critical features within device microstructures. X-ray characterisation presents a favourable alternative to other 3D methods such as focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, due to its non-destructive nature, which allows four-dimensional (4D) studies, three spatial dimensions plus time, linking structural dynamics to device performance and lifetime. X-ray CT has accelerated research from fundamental understanding of the links between cell structure and performance, to the improvement in manufacturing and scale-up of full electrochemical cells. Furthermore, this has aided in the mitigation of degradation and celllevel failures such as thermal runaway. This review presents recent developments in the use of X-ray CT as a characterisation method and its role in the advancement of electrochemical materials engineering.

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Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Developments in X-ray tomography characterization for electrochemical devices

et al. 2019

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“…Two main methods are used to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) structures of porous electrodes [11]: The first is the X-CT method [12][13][14][15] which can penetrate non-transparent solid objects to visualize interior features nondestructively. This method obtains digital information of 3D geometries and properties by stacking all contiguous sets of CT slices.…”

Section: X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ct) Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(1) X-CT [12][13][14][15] (2) Stochastic model [16][17][18] (1) Effects of GDL materials [69][70][71], porosities [10,72,73], and PTFE treatment [74][75][76][77][78][79] (2) GDL structural modification: MPL [8], groove, and perforation [80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88] (3) Structural deformation: compression [91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98] effect was whether the sample was cracked. In addition, the relationship between capillary pressure and saturation was measured.…”

Section: Gdlmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two-Phase Flow in Porous Electrodes of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Jiao

2020

Trans. Tianjin Univ.

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Water management in porous electrodes bears significance due to its strong potential in determining the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In terms of porous electrodes, internal water distribution and removal process have extensively attracted attention in both experimental and numerical studies. However, the structural difference among the catalyst layer (CL), microporous layer (MPL), and gas diffusion layer (GDL) leads to significant challenges in studying the two-phase flow behavior. Given the different porosities and pore scales of the CL, MPL, and GDL, the model scales in simulating each component are inconsistent. This review emphasizes the numerical simulation related to porous electrodes in the water transport process and evaluates the effectiveness and weakness of the conventional methods used during the investigation. The limitations of existing models include the following: (i) The reconstruction of geometric models is difficult to achieve when using the real characteristics of the components; (ii) the computational domain size is limited due to massive computational loads in three-dimensional (3D) simulations; (iii) numerical associations among 3D models are lacking because of the separate studies for each component; (iv) the effects of vapor condensation and heat transfer on the two-phase flow are disregarded; (v) compressive deformation during assembly and vibration in road conditions should be considered in two-phase flow studies given the real operating conditions. Therefore, this review is aimed at critical research gaps which need further investigation. Insightful potential research directions are also suggested for future improvements.

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“…Stochastic method and X‐CT (X‐ray computed tomography) are the most commonly used to reconstruct 3D porous structural GDL. The X‐CT method works by penetrating nontransparent solid objects to visualize the interior features nondestructively 23,24 . It obtains digital 3D geometries by stacking all contiguous sets of CT slices.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vapor condensation in reconstructed gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Jiao

2020

Int J Energy Res

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Summary In the present study, water is considered to be in vapor state when intruding the gas diffusion layers (GDL) of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A phase change solver was developed in OpenFOAM platform and validated to model the vapor condensation processes in reconstructed GDL. The stochastic method was adopted to reconstruct the 3D GDL while the vapor/condensate water two‐phase flow problem was solved by employing the volume of fluids (VOF) method. Vapor condensation processes in GDL with/without rib were compared under different current densities and ambient temperatures. The temporal varying condensate droplets’ distributions were displayed and the droplets evolution processes were summarized. Vapor condensation processes can be divided into several stages, including small water‐droplets generation, droplets growth, coalescence, accumulation, and condensate water removal. It was found that the condensate water distribution under the rib was entirely different from that under the channel. Water saturation in GDL without rib was lower at the same current density and same ambient temperature. In addition, the vapor condensation was highly sensitive to the local temperature. Growth of the temporal liquid water saturation presented remarkable difference when local temperature varied. The condensate water breakthrough paths were identified. The cyclic release of condensate water droplets into the channel activated the water saturation fluctuations. Water saturation fluctuated wildly in the GDL with rib along the thickness direction, due to the role of rib in impeding the removal of water. Besides, it was noticed that the rib was not beneficial for oxygen diffusion apart from hindering the condensate water transport. A phase change solver was developed in OpenFOAM platform and validated to model the vapor condensation in a realistic structural GDL. The temporal varying condensate droplets’ distributions were displayed and the droplets evolution processes were summarized. The rib was not beneficial for the oxygen diffusion apart from hindering the condensate water transport, which increases the risks of water flooding.

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The effects of gas diffusion layers structure on water transportation using X-ray computed tomography based Lattice Boltzmann method

Cited by 60 publications

References 33 publications

Developments in X-ray tomography characterization for electrochemical devices

Developments in X-ray tomography characterization for electrochemical devices

Two-Phase Flow in Porous Electrodes of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Vapor condensation in reconstructed gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

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