Three dimensional transient multiphase flow simulation in a dead end anode polymer electrolyte fuel cell

A three-dimensional two-phase model was developed for studying transient heat and mass transfer in a PEFC with a dead-end anode. The model solves governing equations of conservation of mass, momentum, species, energy, charge, coupled with water saturation model for obtaining the volume fraction of water in gas channels and GDLs. The results indicate that water and nitrogen can accumulate in the anode region with time such that the amount of available hydrogen decreases and hence the cell performance drops. The accumulation rate is found to be closely linked to the current that is drawn from the cell.