A parametric study on the deformation of gas diffusion layer in PEM fuel cell

A well-designed proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell requires a robust design of cell components. Therefore, the understanding of the deformation mechanism of each component is essential for a successful design. This study deals with the induced deformation of gas diffusion layer (GDL) due to the deformation of the membrane during fuel cell operation. A parametric study with six cases is constructed and the corresponding responses of a stress variation, distribution of contact pressure and a channel intrusion are selected to assess the effect of design parameters on the deformation of the GDL. The variation in the thickness of the GDL is considered as a parameter of the study in addition to the material model of the membrane. The variation in stress levels in the GDL induced due to the cyclically deformed membrane is calculated with different material models of the membrane. Through-plane stiffness of the GDL represented by the thickness of the GDL affects the three responses of the model considered. However, the material model of the membrane influences the planned responses selectively. An observation of contact loss at the interface is a strong indication of the importance of through-plane stiffness of the GDL on the deformation between the GDL and the membrane. In order to come up with a way that improves the cell’s performance, we numerically show that the manipulation of through-plane stiffness of the GDL is needed by employing an appropriate thickness of the GDL. The results from this study assist in understanding the interrelation between the GDL and the membrane for the deformation of the GDL.