The proposal deals with the coupling between anisotropic thermal transport and water management in PEM fuel cell membrane systems. Water management is critical to the efficient operation of the fuel cell. The proposed research will include measurements of the anisotropic thermal conductivity of the gas diffusion layer and the electrolyte, as well as the gas and surface temperature of a 5 cm2 operating fuel cell. An analytical model will account for orthotropic thermal conductivity, as well as fluid mechanics, species transport, advection, and electrochemistry. The results will have impact on fundamental understanding of anisotropic thermal transport, will address the critical water management issues for PEM fuel cells, and will serve to expose mechanical engineering students to a technology area often considered to be outside the discipline.
