Process for the optimization of diffusion media with spatially varying mass transfer resistance

摘要

A method is provided for optimizing a fuel cell diffusion medium having a spatially varying mass transfer resistance. The method includes at least two passes wherein a D / Deff profile of a first pass for the fuel cell diffusion media is provided and applied to a fuel cell computing model having a basic variable profile. At least one variable profile of the first pass resulting from the application of the D / Deff profile of the first pass to the calculation model is calculated and compared to a target variable range. Optionally, the D / Deff profile of the first pass is refined to provide a D / Deff profile of a second pass. A relative performance of the fuel cell having a variable profile of the second pass resulting from applying the D / Deff profile of the second pass is determined. Optionally, the D / Deff profile of the second pass is refined until the variable profile of the second pass has a desired power. This provides an effective D / Deff profile.