Creation of a PEFC Self-Management Water Separatory

Abstract

The flooding phenomena, in which condensate obstructs the pores of the gas- diffusion-layer (GDL), and the plugging phenomenon, in which condensate obstructs the gas channels, are two problems with water management associated with polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The efficiency of the system is increased by lowering the amount of energy needed for humidification if the plugged water can be transferred from the plugged area to the gas intake with low humidity. As a result, since 2006, we have suggested the Self-Management Water Separator (SMWS) as a solution to those problems. Through a bypass channel and a change in water concentration, excess water was absorbed by the capillary action of a water absorption material and transferred from the gas outlet to any point in the gas channel.