Computational Modelling and Simulation of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Keynote)

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Djilali ◽  
T. Berning
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Fuel cells (FC’s) are electrochemical devices that convert directly into electricity the chemical energy of reaction of a fuel (usually hydrogen) with an oxidant (usually oxygen from ambient air). The only by-products in a hydrogen fuel cell are heat and water, making this emerging technology the leading candidate for quiet, zero emission energy production. Several types of fuel cell are currently undergoing intense research and development for applications ranging from portable electronics and appliances to residential power generation and transportation. The focus of this lecture is Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC’s). An electrolyte consisting of a “solid” polymer membrane, low operating temperatures (typically below 90 °C) and a relatively simple design combine to make PEMFC’s particularly well suited to automotive and portable applications. The operation of a fuel cell relies on electrochemical reactions and an array of coupled transport phenomena, including multi-component gas flow, two phase-flow, heat and mass transfer, phase change and transport of charged species. The transport processes take place in variety of media, including porous gas diffusion electrodes and polymer membranes. The fuel cell environment makes it impossible to measure in-situ the quantities of interest to understand and quantify these phenomena, and computational modelling and simulations are therefore poised to play a central role in the development and optimization of fuel cell technology. We provide an overview of the role of various transport phenomena in fuel cell operation and some of the physical and computational modelling challenges they present. The processes will be illustrated through examples of multi-dimensional numerical simulations of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. We close with a perspective on some of the many remaining challenges and future development opportunities.

Transport Phenomena Analysis in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 1363-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongtan Liu ◽  
Tianhong Zhou ◽  
Ping Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The objective of this review is to provide a summary of modeling and experimental research efforts on transport phenomena in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Several representative PEMFC models and experimental studies in macro and micro PEMFCs are selected for discussion. No attempt is made to examine all the models or experimental studies, but rather the focus is to elucidate the macro-homogeneous modeling methodologies and representative experimental results. Since the transport phenomena are different in different regions of a fuel cell, fundamental phenomena in each region are first reviewed. This is followed by the presentation of various theoretical models on these transport processes in PEMFCs. Finally, experimental investigation on the cell performance of macro and micro PEMFC and DMFC is briefly presented.

Pore Structure Modeling of Flow in Gas Diffusion Layers of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongying Shi ◽  
Xia Wang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Pore Structure ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Structure Model ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has a porous structure with anisotropic and non-homogenous properties. The objective of this research is to develop a PEM fuel cell model where transport phenomena in the GDL are simulated based on GDL’s pore structure. The GDL pore structure was obtained by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). GDL’s cross-section view instead of surface view was scanned under the SEM. The SEM image was then processed using an image processing tool to obtain a two dimensional computational domain. This pore structure model was then coupled with an electrochemical model to predict the overall fuel cell performance. The transport phenomena in the GDL were simulated by solving the Navier-Stokes equation directly in the GDL pore structure. By comparing with the testing data, the fuel cell model predicted a reasonable fuel cell polarization curve. The pore structure model was further used to calculate the GDL permeability. The numerically predicted permeability was close to the value published in the literature. A future application of the current pore structure model is to predict GDL thermal and electric related properties.

Pore Structure Modeling of Flow in Gas Diffusion Layers of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Shi ◽  
X. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Pore Structure ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Structure Model ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has a porous structure with anisotropic and non-homogenous properties. The objective of this research is to develop a PEM fuel cell model where transport phenomena in the GDL are simulated based on GDL’s pore structure. The GDL pore structure was obtained by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). GDL’s cross-section view instead of surface view was scanned under the SEM. The SEM image was then processed using an image processing tool to obtain a two-dimensional computational domain. This pore structure model was then coupled with an electrochemical model to predict the overall fuel cell performance. The transport phenomena in the GDL were simulated by solving the Navier-Stokes equation directly in the GDL pore structure. By comparing with the testing data, the fuel cell model predicted a reasonable fuel cell polarization curve. The pore structure model was further used to calculate the GDL permeability. The numerically predicted permeability was close to the value published in the literature. A future application of the current pore structure model is to predict GDL thermal and electric related properties.

Fundamental Research Needs in Combined Water and Thermal Management Within a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack Under Normal and Cold-Start Conditions

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish G. Kandlikar ◽  
Zijie Lu
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cold Start ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Automotive Application ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Each fuel cell component of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) used in automotive application operates most effectively (from performance and durability standpoints) within specific ranges of water content and temperature. The water and heat transport processes are coupled and present a challenge in providing the right balance over the entire range of operating conditions. Another important related aspect is CO poisoning of the electrocatalyst, which adversely affects the fuel cell performance. Freezing and cold-start present additional challenges for automotive PEMFCs. A critical review of the recent developments on these topics is presented in this paper. The study covers both the microscopic and macroscopic aspects of the transport within membrane, catalyst layers, gas diffusion layers, and gas channels, and an overview of the current PEMFC cooling technology. After discussing the current status, suggestions for future work on the above topics are presented.

Numerical Study and Optimisation of Channel Geometry and Gas Diffusion Layer of a PEM Fuel Cell

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surajudeen O. Obayopo ◽  
Tunde Bello-Ochende ◽  
Josua P. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Diffusion Layer ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Pem Fuel Cell ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Fuel cell technology offers a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuel energy sources. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in particular have become sustainable choice for the automotive industries because of its low pollution, low noise and quick start-up at low temperatures. Researches are on-going to improve its performance and reduce cost of this class of energy systems. In this work, a novel approach to optimise proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell gas channels in the systems bipolar plates with the aim of globally optimising the overall system net power performance at minimised pressure drop and subsequently low pumping power requirement for the reactant species gas was carried out. In addition, the effect of various gas diffusion layer (GDL) properties on the fuel cell performance was examined. Simulations were done ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 mm for channel width, 0.5 to 3.0 mm for channel depth and 0.1 to 0.7 for the GDL porosity. A gradient based optimisation algorithm is implemented which effectively handles an objective function obtained from a computational fluid dynamics simulation to further enhance the obtained optimum values of the examined multiple parameters for the fuel cell system. The results indicate that effective match of reactant gas channel and GDL properties enhance the performance of the fuel cell system. The numerical results computed agree well with experimental data in the literature. Consequently, the results obtained provide useful information for improving the design of fuel cells.

Highly proton conductive membranes based on carboxylated cellulose nanofibres and their performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Guccini ◽  
Annika Carlson ◽  
Shun Yu ◽  
Göran Lindbergh ◽  
Rakel Wreland Lindström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Surface Charge ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Membrane Thickness ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Cellulose Nanofibres ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The performance of thin carboxylated cellulose nanofiber-based (CNF) membranes as proton exchange membranes in fuel cells has been measured in-situ as a function of CNF surface charge density (600 and 1550 µmol g<sup>-1</sup>), counterion (H<sup>+</sup>or Na<sup>+</sup>), membrane thickness and fuel cell relative humidity (RH 55 to 95 %). The structural evolution of the membranes as a function of RH as measured by Small Angle X-ray scattering shows that water channels are formed only above 75 % RH. The amount of absorbed water was shown to depend on the membrane surface charge and counter ions (Na<sup>+</sup>or H<sup>+</sup>). The high affinity of CNF for water and the high aspect ratio of the nanofibers, together with a well-defined and homogenous membrane structure, ensures a proton conductivity exceeding 1 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>at 30 °C between 65 and 95 % RH. This is two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported values for cellulose materials and only one order of magnitude lower than Nafion 212. Moreover, the CNF membranes are characterized by a lower hydrogen crossover than Nafion, despite being ≈ 30 % thinner. Thanks to their environmental compatibility and promising fuel cell performance the CNF membranes should be considered for new generation proton exchange membrane fuel cells.<br>

Latest Trends and Challenges In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Jourdani ◽  
Hamid Mounir ◽  
Abdellatif El Marjani
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Cell Efficiency ◽  
Technical Advances ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Background: During last few years, the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) underwent a huge development. Method: The different contributions to the design, the material of all components and the efficiencies are analyzed. Result: Many technical advances are introduced to increase the PEMFC fuel cell efficiency and lifetime for transportation, stationary and portable utilization. Conclusion: By the last years, the total cost of this system is decreasing. However, the remaining challenges that need to be overcome mean that it will be several years before full commercialization can take place.This paper gives an overview of the recent advancements in the development of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cells and remaining challenges of PEMFC.

scholarly journals Modelling of Humidity Dynamics for Open-Cathode Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Fengxiang Chen ◽  
Liming Zhang ◽  
Jieran Jiao
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Flow Model ◽  
Transport Theory ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Output Performance ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The durability and output performance of a fuel cell is highly influenced by the internal humidity, while in most developed models of open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells (OC-PEMFC) the internal water content is viewed as a fixed value. Based on mass and energy conservation law, mass transport theory and electrochemistry principles, the model of humidity dynamics for OC-PEMFC is established in Simulink® environment, including the electrochemical model, mass flow model and thermal model. In the mass flow model, the water retention property and oxygen transfer characteristics of the gas diffusion layer is modelled. The simulation indicates that the internal humidity of OC-PEMFC varies with stack temperature and operating conditions, which has a significant influence on stack efficiency and output performance. In order to maintain a good internal humidity state during operation, this model can be used to determine the optimal stack temperature and for the design of a proper control strategy.

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