Update on numerical model for the performance prediction of a PEM Fuel Cell

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model developed for a 50 cm2 Fuel Cell with parallel and serpentine flow field bipolar plates was presented in an article published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 35 (2010) 11,533–11,550 [1]. The experimental validation details were presented as well in an article published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 35 (2010) 11,437–11,447 [2]. A good agreement between numerical results and experimental measurements were obtained except for the high current density region where mass-transport limitations dominate the voltage loss. This short communication presents an update on the last simulations performed, where an improved prediction of the polarization curve is obtained. The physical and computational aspects of the reasons underlying the improvement of the results are discussed.

► CFD numerical model for a PEM Fuel Cell, validated against experimental IV curves. ► A correction on the numerical results provided in a previous article is provided. ► A discussion on convergence for PEMFC multiphase flow simulations is provided.