Numerical simulation of exchange membrane fuel cells in different operating conditions

A two-dimensional, steady state model for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is presented. The model is used to describe the effect operation conditions (current density, pressure and water content) on the water transport, ohmic resistance and water distribution in the membrane and performance of PEMFC. This model considers the transport of species and water along the porous media: gas diffusion layers (GDL) anode and cathode, and the membrane of PEMFC fuel cell.The numerical tool chosen for solving these equations is the finite volume method. This allowed us to know better the phenomena taking place inside the porous media. Solving equations of mass transfer as well as transport of species (Darcy equation) allowed us to obtain profiles of concentration of water and reagents within the different layers, for specific operating conditions.

► Transport of species and water along the porous media. ► The concentrations of reagents and water depend on the current density. ► A higher cathode pressure can be used to reduce the anode dehydration problem. ► The performance of cell can be enhanced by increasing the pressure differential.