CFD prediction of shunt currents present in alkaline fuel cells

► A CFD study that captures the presence of shunt currents in AFC is reported. ► The shunt currents are present in the regions near the separator inlet and exit. ► The local shunt current density could be higher than the average primary current. ► Passive and active mitigation measures against the shunt currents were suggested. ► IR loss was comparable to anode overpotential loss at high current densities. ► Reactant humidification is important to KOH concentration at low current densities.