Lattice-Boltzmann-based model for the channel-porous interface of PEMFC

Two-phase flow management is a major issue in the optimization of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The purpose of the present study is to identify the most significant single-phase and two-phase flow mechanisms in porous media and porous interfaces such as the gas channel (GC) - gas diffusion layer (GDL) interface with the Lattic-Boltzmann algorithm. In particular, a Lattice Boltzmann Shan-Chen twophase method with mid-range interactions and with a special pseudopotential inhibition treatment is firstly validated in a singlephase representative domain within the theoretical framework of Spatially Averaged Navier-Stokes (SANS) equations. Secondly, it is used to perform two-phase numerical simulations with varying porous medium hydrophobicity. Pressure drag and skin friction have been found to play a pivotal role in the gas phase momentum transfer across porous medium. Moreover laminar separation zones have been noticed at the open-porous interface.