Energy analysis of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with an open-ended anode using agglomerate model: A CFD study

Abstract

In this study, a single two-dimensional cell and open-ended anode proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is numerically studied using agglomerate model. The working fluids are considered water and air. The flow has been simulated using the two-phase model to consider the effects of bubble generations in the fuel cell. The numerical results show a better agreement using the agglomeration model with experimental data compared to the other methods. The effects of various parameters including, the stoichiometric coefficient, the amount of saturated water in the cathode gas diffusion layer, operating temperature and pressure, and relative humidity on the fuel cell performance, have been examined. The obtained results revealed that by increasing this coefficient from 1.5 to 2 and 2 to 2.3, the fuel cell output power enhances by 1.68% and 0.53%, respectively. It was also found that increasing the operating pressure has enhanced the mass fraction consumptions of both hydrogen and oxygen. In addition, it was deduced that the maximum local temperature occurs in the middle of the polymer fuel cell. Finally, the numerical results showed that increasing the relative humidity enhances the water formation from cathode to the anode side.