Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of a tubular-shaped PEM fuel cell

A full three-dimensional, non-isothermal computational fluid dynamics model of a tubular-shaped proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has been developed. This comprehensive model accounts for the major transport phenomena in a PEM fuel cell: convective and diffusive heat and mass transfer, electrode kinetics, and potential fields. In addition to the tubular-shaped geometry, the model feature an algorithm that allows for more realistic representation of the local activation overpotentials which leads to improved prediction of the local current density distribution. Three-dimensional results of the species profiles, temperature distribution, potential distribution, and local current density distribution are presented. The model is shown to be able to understand the many interacting, complex electrochemical, and transport phenomena that cannot be studied experimentally.