An Improved Pemfc Model with Plug Flow in Channels

An improved PEMFC model is developed. The improvement of the model includes modification for electrochemical reaction and mass transfer limitation at cathode and anode side. Global sensitivity analysis is used for evaluating the sensitivity of the model in parameter estimation. The simulation results reveal that estimated mass transfer coefficients depend on current density. The comparison shows a good agreement between calculated and experimental polarization curves. Introduction Modeling is important for optimizing and improving the design of fuel cells. The processes in a FC involve multicomponent, multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer with electrochemical reactions occurring in irregular geometries including porous media. Lots of literature contains various models for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However, complex interaction of chemical reaction, flow dynamics and transfer processes in fuel cells require further researches with developed models. This study presents an improved PEM fuel cell model together with a parameter estimation method. The new model is partly based on the PEMFC model by Nguyen and White (1993) which is one-dimensional, steady-state with water transport across membrane, convective heat transfer, evaporation and condensation of water in channels. The improved model includes electrochemical reactions with mass transfer limitation at anode and cathode sides. Sensitivity of the model needed for parameter estimation is studied using Sobol's sensitivity indexes. Model formulation The model consists of mass balance equations for four components with plug flow condition in channels (Nguyen and White, 1993)