Systematic characterization of a PBI/H3PO4 sol-gel membrane-Modeling and simulation

▶ Development of a complete industrial scale (50 cm2 MEA) 3D HTPEM FC model that can potentially be used for 'what-if' type of analysis. For a HTPEMFC, only a handful of models exist (1D, 2D, and small 3D models). The actual model geometry significantly differs from other model set-ups as it is an almost 1-to-1 representation of the entire cell assembly that was used during all experimental tests. The model, along with all governing equations, should be seen as a tool that can directly be used by researchers. ▶ The authors provide as much as possible information (in terms of governing equations, material data, and soft-, and hardware requirements) in order to be able to setup similar modeling and simulation studies. The data and the modeling/simulation of the CELTEC P-2000 MEA are included in this study too. ▶ This study provides computational details, mostly overlooked in similar studies, including meshing, detailed solver settings, computer hardware and memory requirements (important information especially when it comes to solving large scale problems with finite elements instead of using control volumes). ▶ The authors introduced a two-phase temperature model for HTPEM fuel cells in order to explain the observed temperature behavior during segmented measurements. This work deliver possible explanations to interpret the complex behavior of fluid-flow, current density, and temperature distribution using a 50 cm2, industrial scale HTPEM fuel cell. Many quantities are discussed by giving absolute values. The raised points are new contributions that are brought to the literature and to the scientific fuel cell (modeling) community. The presented results will lead researchers in the field to new ways of thinking about several aspects when it comes to the design, layout, and analysis of a HTPEMFC. To the authors' best knowledge, only minor HTPEM publications deal with such detailed information. This work will definitely help R&D in getting a better idea of HTPEM fuel cell operational behavior.