Non-equilibrium two-phase model of the air-cathode of a PEM fuel cell based on GDL experimental water transport characteristics

► Two computational models of the air-cathode of a PEMFC are developed using a two-phase approach. ► The novelty of the models is the application of experimentally determined properties of the GDL. ► Common empirical correlations for GDL behavior are shown to underpredict saturation. ► Experiments show that the model can predict performance based on measured GDL characteristics.