A Modeling Study of the Effects of the Properties of Anode Porous Layer on the Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell

In this study, a two-phase flow model focusing on anode side was developed to investigate the effect of the properties of the porous media in anode side on the performance of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Two cases (with and without microporous layer (MPL) in anode side) were included to elucidate the proper water management strategy in the anode side. The results showed that an MPL in the anode side might lead to flooded anode catalyst layer (CL) as well as flooded cathode. The increased saturation levels in the PEM fuel cell may cover the active catalyst sites, occupy the reactant transport path, and eventually lead to bad fuel cell performance. For the case without an MPL in the anode side, the amount of liquid water pushed from the cathode side to the anode side was sufficient to saturate the dry fuel in the anode side.