Pore network modelling of condensation in gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

A pore network model (PNM) is exploited to simulate the liquid water formation by vapour condensation in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) on the cathode side considering the spatial temperature variations within the GDL. The computed distributions are markedly different from the ones computed in previous works assuming capillarity controlled invasion in liquid phase from the catalyst layer and found to be in quite good agreement with several experimental observations. The proposed model opens up new perspectives for understanding the water transfer in protons exchange membrane fuel cells and the associated water management and aging issues.