Modeling of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with a hybrid continuum/discrete formulation at the rib/channel scale: Effect of relative humidity and temperature on performance and two-phase transport

Pablo A. García-Salaberri and Arturo Sánchez-Ramos

Applied Energy, 2024, vol. 367, issue C, No S0306261924007153

Abstract: A novel hybrid continuum/discrete model is presented to analyze the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) at the rib/channel scale. Liquid water transport is modeled with a continuum formulation in the channel and a discrete pore-network-like formulation in the gas diffusion layer (GDL), microporous layer (MPL) and catalyst layer (CL). The remaining variables are modeled by a fully continuum formulation with heterogeneous effective transport properties. This modeling approach provides a more realistic two-phase description compared to conventional macroscopic continuum formulations. The model is validated in terms of performance and water saturation, showing good agreement with operando data. Then, the interplay between temperature, RH, effective thermal conductivity, thermal contact resistance and effective diffusivity is examined. The results show that there is an optimal temperature and RH around T≃80∘C and RH≃0.8, respectively. These conditions provide a relatively high oxygen utilization with good ionomer conductivity and enhanced kinetics. Ionomer dry-out under the channel and flooding under the rib are appropriately balanced. The performance at the rib/channel scale can be further optimized by adjusting the GDL thermal conductivity and the thermal contact resistance at the interface of the GDL with the flow field. The latter approach is interesting due to the independence of the thermal contact resistance on saturation, which leads to a more homogeneous temperature distribution in the CL. In addition, the design of highly porous GDLs, MPLs and CLs with high effective diffusivity is desirable to maximize the peak power density provided that the ionomer is well hydrated. This information is crucial for the design of next-generation bipolar plate-MEA assemblies with improved performance at low Pt loading.

Keywords: PEMFC; Performance; Two-phase transport; Rib/channel scale; Modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123332

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