Two-dimensional simulation of water transport in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

A two-dimensional finite-element-based model of coupled fluid flow, mass transport, and electrochemistry is derived for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell operating without external humidification of the reactant gases. Transport in the gas channels and gas-diffusion electrodes is modeled using the con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering science 2000-10, Vol.55 (19), p.4209-4218
Main Authors: Hsing, I-Ming, Futerko, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Electrochemistry
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc
Exact sciences and technology
Finite element
Fuel cell
Fuel cells
Mathematical modeling
Polymer electrolyte
Water transport
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Summary:A two-dimensional finite-element-based model of coupled fluid flow, mass transport, and electrochemistry is derived for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell operating without external humidification of the reactant gases. Transport in the gas channels and gas-diffusion electrodes is modeled using the continuity, potential flow, and Stefan–Maxwell equations. Concentrated solution theory is used to model transport within the membrane. Predictions of the fraction of product water leaving the anode side of the fuel cell are compared to recent experimental studies in the literature. The present model correctly predicts the dependence of product water leaving the anode on hydrogen stoichiometry, oxygen stoichiometry, current density, and cell temperature. The multidimensional nature of transport within such a fuel cell is discussed and plots of streamlines, gas mole fractions, and water content of the membrane are presented.
ISSN:0009-2509
1873-4405
DOI:10.1016/S0009-2509(00)00066-X