Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Heat Conductivity on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance in Different Axis Directions

In this paper, the effect of changes in thermal conductivity porous electrodes three coordinate directions on capability proton exchange membrane fuel cells is investigated basis current density versus voltammetry curves, and temperature distribution water-carrying capacity membrane. The results show that when cell discharge voltage PEMFC 0.3 V, Z-direction electrode has a greater performance than other directions, with X- Y-directions having less 5% PEMFC, which can therefore be neglected. When 500 W/(m·K) 1000 W/(m·K), improved by 5.78% 5.87%, respectively, X-direction 2.09% 2.89%, 1.51% 2.00% Y-direction respectively. improvement decreases increasing conductivity, because thickness too thin. Since side model set to adiabatic heat conditions, while top bottom surfaces are natural convection plays most important role PEMFC. causes assembly more uniform, also area high-water-content region significantly increase.