The effects of water and microstructure on the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells
The effects of water and microstructure on the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells
n this paper, we present a comprehensive non-isothermal, one-dimensional model of the cathode side of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell. We explicitly include the catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer and the membrane. The catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer are characterized by several measurable microstructural parameters. We model all three phases of water, with a view to capturing the effect that each has on the performance of the cell. A comparison with experiment is presented, demonstrating excellent agreement, particularly with regard to the effects of water activity in the channels and how it impacts flooding and membrane hydration. We present several results pertaining to the effects of water on the current density (or cell voltage), demonstrating the role of micro-structure, liquid water removal from the channel, water activity, membrane and gas diffusion layer thickness and channel temperature. These results provide an indication of the changes that are required to achieve optimal performance through improved water management and MEA-component design. Moreover, with its level of detail, the model we develop forms an excellent basis for a multi-dimensional model of the entire membrane electrode assembly.
PEMFC, Cathode catalyst layer, Water, Microstructure, Operating conditions, Performance prediction
1251-1268
Shah, A.
ee28c2a8-7574-4e71-a8d4-2d8dd0c1d6e8
Kim, G.S.
644f774b-0e19-4d52-813b-439ddfe38166
Gervais, W.
eed36933-e074-454e-855c-1080d737ac57
Young, A.
20a873cc-c298-4207-961d-40d7fe04f556
Promislow, K.
90ab80eb-50f4-4088-a522-5b15e7f16cf7
Li, J.
c01989cb-c2a9-41ed-9e23-0618c53a3e85
Yi, S.
37bdb44b-2351-4de4-8791-4d5e76d4a768
18 April 2006
Shah, A.
ee28c2a8-7574-4e71-a8d4-2d8dd0c1d6e8
Kim, G.S.
644f774b-0e19-4d52-813b-439ddfe38166
Gervais, W.
eed36933-e074-454e-855c-1080d737ac57
Young, A.
20a873cc-c298-4207-961d-40d7fe04f556
Promislow, K.
90ab80eb-50f4-4088-a522-5b15e7f16cf7
Li, J.
c01989cb-c2a9-41ed-9e23-0618c53a3e85
Yi, S.
37bdb44b-2351-4de4-8791-4d5e76d4a768
Shah, A., Kim, G.S., Gervais, W., Young, A., Promislow, K., Li, J. and Yi, S.
(2006)
The effects of water and microstructure on the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Journal of Power Sources, 160 (2), .
(doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.02.085).
Abstract
n this paper, we present a comprehensive non-isothermal, one-dimensional model of the cathode side of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell. We explicitly include the catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer and the membrane. The catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer are characterized by several measurable microstructural parameters. We model all three phases of water, with a view to capturing the effect that each has on the performance of the cell. A comparison with experiment is presented, demonstrating excellent agreement, particularly with regard to the effects of water activity in the channels and how it impacts flooding and membrane hydration. We present several results pertaining to the effects of water on the current density (or cell voltage), demonstrating the role of micro-structure, liquid water removal from the channel, water activity, membrane and gas diffusion layer thickness and channel temperature. These results provide an indication of the changes that are required to achieve optimal performance through improved water management and MEA-component design. Moreover, with its level of detail, the model we develop forms an excellent basis for a multi-dimensional model of the entire membrane electrode assembly.
More information
Submitted date: 3 February 2006
Published date: 18 April 2006
Keywords:
PEMFC, Cathode catalyst layer, Water, Microstructure, Operating conditions, Performance prediction
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 44774
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/44774
ISSN: 0378-7753
PURE UUID: 6ae308f6-261c-4c7f-b200-d99db0da7f6c
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Date deposited: 15 Mar 2007
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 09:07
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Contributors
Author:
A. Shah
Author:
G.S. Kim
Author:
W. Gervais
Author:
A. Young
Author:
K. Promislow
Author:
J. Li
Author:
S. Yi
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