Three-dimensional model of a complete polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell - model formulation, validation and parametric studies

A steady-state, three-dimensional model of a complete polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), including both the anode and cathode, is formulated and solved using a finite volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, Fuel3D, developed at Loughborough University. The model is first validated against data obtained from the literature on a global basis. It is further validated on a local basis using experimental data obtained from a segmented cell. Excellent agreement is obtained. The validated model is then used to study the effect of electro-osmotic drag and diffusion of water across the membrane. Overall transport of water across the membrane is seen to take place from the anode to the cathode side. Finally, the model has been used to carry out some parametric studies, such as variation of electrode thickness, shoulder width, degree of permeability and oxidant concentration, to provide a clearer understanding on how changes in parameters affect the cell performance.