A computational fluid dynamics analysis of a PEM fuel cell system for power generation

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to present a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that simulates the fluid flow, species transport and electric current flow in PEM fuel cells.Design/methodology/approachThe model makes use of a general‐purpose CFD software as a basic tool incorporating fuel cell specific submodels for multi‐component species transport, electrochemical kinetics, water management and electric phase potential analysis in order to simulate various processes that occur in a PEM fuel cell.FindingsThree dimensional results for the flow field, species transport, including waster formations, and electric current distributions are presented for two test flow configurations in the PEM fuel cell. For the two cases presented, reasonable predictions have been obtained, and this provides an insight into the effect of the flow designs to the operation of the fuel cell.Research limitations/implicationsIt is appreciated that the CFD modeling of fuel cells is, in general, still facing significant challenges due to the limited understanding of the complex physical and chemical processes existing within the fuel cell. The model is now under further development to improve its capabilities and undergoing further validations.Practical implicationsThe model simulations can provide detailed information on some of the key fluid dynamics, physical and chemical/electro‐chemical processes that exist in fuel cells which are crucial for fuel cell design and optimization.Originality/valueThe model can be used to understand the operation of the fuel cell and provide and alternative to experimental investigations in order to improve the performance of the fuel cell.