Three-dimensional computational analysis of transport phenomena in a PEM fuel cell

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 106; no. 1; pp. 284 - 294
• Main Authors: Berning, T., Lu, D.M., Djilali, N.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.04.2002; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CFD; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell modelling; Fuel cells; PEFC; PEM fuel cells; CFD; Fuel cell modelling; PEM fuel cells; PEFC; Transport process; Three-dimensional calculations; Polymer electrolytes; Computational fluid dynamics; Modeling; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)01057-6

A comprehensive non-isothermal, three-dimensional computational model of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell has been developed. The model incorporates a complete cell with both the membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) and the gas distribution flow channels. With the exception of phase change, the model accounts for all major transport phenomena. The model is implemented into a computational fluid dynamics code, and simulations are presented with an emphasis on the physical insight and fundamental understanding afforded by the detailed three-dimensional distributions of reactant concentrations, current densities, temperature and water fluxes. The results show that significant temperature gradients exist within the cell, with temperature differences of several degrees K within the MEA. The three-dimensional nature of the transport is particularly pronounced under the collector plates land area and has a major impact on the current distribution and predicted limiting current density.